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United States Legal Document
i^ All citizens and residents are hereby advised that
this is a legally binding document duly incorporated by
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the law shall not excuse noncompliance and it is the
responsibility of the citizens to inform themselves as to
the laws that are enacted in the United States of America
and in the states and cities contained therein, "^^k
* *
NFPA 1500 (2007), Fire Department Occupational
Safety and Health Program, as incorporated by
and mandated by the States and Municipalities,
including the Illinois General Assembly in
Section 141.20, Title 41 of the Administrative
Code .
'^'^-^^^^f^-^^m^ j^ ik^ ^ ^w ^^^ ^^w_y\ "y^^
B^^n^s
NFPA®, 1 Batterymarch Park, PO Box 91 01 , Quincy, MA 02269-91 01 , USA
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1500-2
F[RE DEP,AJITMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
Technical Committee on Fire Service Occupational Safety and Health
Glenn P. Benarick, Chair
Aiken, SC [U]
Rep. NFPAFire Service Section
Murrey E. Loflin, Secretary
Virginia Beacii Fire Department, VA [U]
(Alt. to G. P. Benarick)
Rep. NFPAFire Service Section
Donald Aldridge, LionApparel, Inc., OH [M]
David J. Barillo, University of Florida College of
Medicine, FL [SE]
Paul "Shon" Blake, City of Baytown Fire & Rescue
Services, TX [E]
Rep. Industrial Emergency Response Working Group
Sandy Bogucki, Yale University Emergency Medicine
CT [SE]
Dennis R. Childress, Orange County Fire Authoritv
CA [U]
Rep. California State Firefighters Association
Dominic J. CoUetti, Hale Products, Inc., PA [M]
Rep. Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association
Thomas J. Cuff,Jr., Firemen'sAssociation of the State of
New York, NY [U]
I. David Daniels, Fulton County Fire Department, GA IE]
Rep. International As.socianon of Fire Chiefs
Phil Eckhardt, Mine Safety Appliances Company PA [M]
Rep. International Safety Equipment Associadon
Jodi A. Gabelraann, Cobb County Fire and Emergency
Seivices, GA [L]
Rep. Women in the Fire Service, Inc.
Tom Hillenbrand, Undenvriters Laboratories Inc., IE [RT]
Jonathan D. Kipp, PrimexS, NH[I]
Steve L. Kreis, City of Phoenix Fire Department, AZ [E]
Tamara DiAnda Lopes, Reno Fire Department, NV [U]
David A. Love, Jr., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance
Services, Inc., PA [I]
Geoi^e L. Maier, III, New York City Fire Department,
NY[U]
Stephen E. Norris, United Firefighters of Los Angeles
City, CA [L]
Richard S. Pike, Wantagh Fire District, AZ [U]
Rep. /\s.sociation of Fire Districts/State of New York
David J. Prezant, New York City Fire Department, NY [E]
Joseph W. Rivera, U.S. Air Force, FL [U]
Mario D. Rueda, Los Angeles City Fire Department,
CA[U]
Daniel G. Same, ENH - OMEGA, IL [SE]
Charles C. Soros, Fire Department Safety Officers
Associadon, WA [E]
Donald F. Stewart, Medocracy Inc. /Fairfax County Fire
and Rescue, VA [E]
Philip C. Stittleburg, LaFarge Fire Department, WI [U]
Rep. Nadonal Volunteer Fire Council
Clifford H. Turen, University of Marv'land Orthopaedics
MD [SE]
Teresa Wann, Santa Ana College, CA [SE]
Don N. Whittaker, U.S. Department of Energy, ID [E]
Hugh E. Wood, U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
MD [SE]
Kim D. Zagaris, State of California, CA [E]
Alternates
Janice C. Bradley, Internadonal Safety Eciuipment
Associadon, VA [M]
(Alt. to P Eckhardt)
Niles R. Ford, Fulton County Fire Department, GA [E]
(Alt. to I. D. Daniels)
Craig A. Fry, Los Angeles City Fire Department, CA [U]
(Alt. to M. D. Rueda)
John Granby, Lion Apparel, Inc., OH [M]
(Alt. to D. Aldridge)
Gordon W. Harris, Jr., Elkhart Brass Manufacturing
Company Inc., CT [M]
(Alt. to D.J. Colletd)
Allen S. Hay, Fire Department City of New York, NY [U]
(Ml to G. L. Maier, III)
Thomas Healy, Daisy Mountain Fire District, AZ [E]
(Alt. to S. L. Kreis)
James Johannessen, Undenvriters Laboratories Inc.,
PA [RT]
(Alt. to T. Hillenbrand)
Sandra S. Kirkwood, Las Vegas Fire/Rescue Department
NV[SE]
(Alt. to T. Wann)
Denis M. Murphy, Nassau County Fire Service Arademv
NY[U]
(Alt. to R. S. Pike)
Gary L. Neilson, Reno Fire Department, NV [U]
(Alt. to T. D. Lopes)
Cathleen S. Orchard, Monterey Park Fire Department
CA [L]
(Alt. to J. A. Gabelmann)
David Ross, Toronto Fire Services, Canada [E]
(Alt. to C. C. Soros)
Thomas J. Ryan, U.S. Air Force, FL [U]
(Alt. toj. W. Rivera)
Michael W. Smith, Nevada Division of Forestry, NV [U]
(Alt. to P. C. Sdttleburg)
Michael L. Young, Volunteer Firemen's Insurance
Services, Inc., PA [I]
(Alt. toD.A. Love, Jr.)
2007 Edition
1500-1
Copyright © 2006 National Fire Protection Association. All Rights Reser\'ed.
NFPA 1500
Standard on
Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
2007 Edition
This edition of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Pro-
gram, was prepared by the Technical Committee on Fire Ser\'ice Occupational Safety and
Health and acted on by NFPA at its June Association Technical Meeting held June 4-8, 2006,
in Orlando, FL. It was issued by the Standards Council on July 28, 2006, with an ettective date
of August 17, 2006, and supersedes all previous editions.
A tentative interim amendment (TIA) to Section 7.15 and its Annex A paragraphs was
issued onjuly 28, 2006. For further informadon on tentative interim amendments see Section
5 of the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects available at:
http://wwv.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/CodesStandards/TIAErrataFl/TIARegs.pdf
This edition of NFPA 1500 was approved as an American National Standard on August 17,
2006.
Origin and Development of NFPA 1500
This is the fifth edition of NFPA 1500. The first edition was published in 1987 as there was
no consensus standard for an occupational safety and health program for the fire service. Fire
service organizations were being increasingly subject to regulations that were developed for
general industry and that did not provide for many of the specific needs and concerns of an
organization involved in the delivery of emergency services. The direct line-of-duty deaths
were being documented and reported, but there was also a growing concern with the number
of fire fighters who were suffering disabling injuries or developing occupational diseases that
often had debilitating or fatal consequences. Following the first edition, revised editions were
published in 1992, 1997, and 2002.
The technical committee, working from data provided from NFPA's Data Analysis and
Research Division and NIOSH Fire Fighter Investigation reports, has carefiilly reviewed the
entire document including the associated annex material, and updated many areas to reflect
current best practices. Requirements were reorganized in some areas to make the document
more user friendly.
Among the changes made were revising the section on risk management and adding
additional explanation in the annex. A new section on appointment of a health and safety
officer was added, and sections that duplicated the responsibilities of the health and safety
officer in NFPA 1521 were removed.
Chapter 5 was reorganized and revised to reflect not only the need of members to have
skill and knowledge in performing their day-to-day tasks but also the need for ongoing pro-
fessional development.
In Chapter 6, requirements and annex material were added to support improved vehicle
response operations with an emphasis on safe arrival at the scene.
Requirements for providing and using protective ensembles appropriate for technical
rescue operations and chemical and biological terrorism incidents that went into the 2002
edition as a TIA were updated and incorporated, as were other requirements for personal
protective ensembles.
New sections on traffic incidents, establishing control zones, and fitness for duty evalua-
tions were added.
Fire fighting and the deliver)' of other emergency services continues to be a hazardous job.
However, the poor medical condition or physical fitness of some members, as well as prob-
leins with vehicle operator training and operation, use of an incident management system,
and communication capability continue to further erode the safe delivery of emergency ser-
vices. This edition of the standard continues to emphasize a holistic approach to health and
safetv in the fire service.
COMMITTEE PERSONNEL 1500-3
Nonvoting
Matthew I. Chibbaro, U.S. Department of Labor, DC [E] Mark F. McFaU, U.S. Department of Health & Human
Thomas R. Hales, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, \VV [RT]
Services, OH [RT] (Alt. to T. R. Hales)
Robert B. BeU, U.S. Department of Labor, DC [E]
(Alt. to M. I. Chibbaro)
Carl E. Peterson, NFPA Staff Liaison
This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the final text of this edition. Since that time,
dianges in tlie membm'ship may have occurred. A key to classifications isfi)und at the hack of the document.
NOTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of the Association or
any document developed by the committee on which the member serves.
Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on occupational safety
and health in the working environment of the fire service. The Committee shall also have responsibility for
documents related to medical requirements for fire fighters.
2007 Edition
1500^
FIRE DEPAl^TMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
Contents
Chapter 1 Administration 1500—6
1.1 Scope 1500- 6
1.2 Purpose 1500- 6
1.3 Application 1500- 6
1.4 Equivalency 1500- 6
1.5 Adoption Requirements 1500— 6
Chapters Referenced Publications 1500- 6
2.1 General 1500- 6
2.2 NFPA Publications 1500- 6
2.3 Other Publications 1500- 7
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory
Sections 1500- 7
Chapters Definitions 1500- 8
3.1 General 1500- 8
3.2 Official NFPA Definitions 1500- 8
3.3 General Definitions 1500-8
Chapter 4 Fire Department Administration 1 500— 1 1
4.1 Fire Department Organizational
Statement 1500-11
4.2 Risk Management Plan 1500-11
4.3 Safety and Health Policy 1500-11
4.4 Roles and Responsibilities 1500-11
4.3 Occupational Safety and Health
Committee 1500-12
4.6 Records 1500-12
4.7 Appointment of the Health and Safety
Officer 1500-12
Chapter 5 Training, Education, and
Professional Development 1500—12
5.1 General Requirements 1500-12
5.2 Member Qualifications 1500-13
5.3 Training Requirements 1500-13
5.4 Special Operations Training 1500-13
5.5 Member Proficiency 1500-13
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.3
Chapter 6 Fire Apparatus, Equipment, and
Drivers/Operators
Fire DepartmentApparatus
Drivers/Operators of Fire Department
Apparatus
Riding in Fire Apparatus
Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of
Fire Apparatus
Tools and Equipment
Chapter 7 Protective Clothing and Protective
Equipment
7.1 General
7.2 Protective Clothing for Structural Fire
Fighting
1500-13
1500-13
1500-14
1500-15
1500-15
1500-15
1500-16
1500-16
1500-16
7.3
7.4
7.3
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
7.11
7.12
7.13
7.14
7.15
7.16
7.17
7.18
7.19
Protective Clothing for Proximity
Fire-Fighting Ope rations
Protective Clothing for Emergency
Medical Operations
Chemical-Protective Clothing for
Hazardous Materials Emergency
Operations
Inspection, Maintenance, and Disposal
of Chemical-Protective Clothing
Protective Clothing and Equipment for
Wildland Fire Fighting
Protective Ensembles for Technical
Rescue Operations
Respiratory Protection Program
Breathing Air
Respiratory Protection Equipment
Fit Testing
Using Respiratory Protection
SCBA Cylinders
Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) . . . .
Life Safety Rope and System
Components
Face and Eye Protection
Hearing Protection
New and Existing Protective Clothing
and Protective Equipment
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
8.10
8.11
Chapter 8 Emergency Operations
8.1 Incident Management
Communications
Risk Management During Emergency
Operations
Personnel Accountability During
Emergency Operations
Members Operating at Emergency
Inciden ts
Control Zones
Traffic Incidents
Rapid Inter\'ention for Rescue of
Members
Rehabilitation During Emergency
Operations
Scenes of Violence, Civil Unrest, or
Terrorism
Post-Incident Analysis
Chapter 9 FaciHty Safety
9.1 Safety Standards
9.2 Inspections
9.3 Maintenance and Repairs
Chapter 10 Medical and Physical Requirements
10.1 Medical Requirements
10.2 Physical Performance Requirements
1500-16
1500-17
1500-17
1500-19
1500-19
1500-19
1500-19
1500-20
1500-20
1500-20
1500-20
1500-21
1500-21
1500-21
1500-22
1500-22
1500-22
1500-22
1500-22
1500-23
1500-23
1500-23
1500-23
1500-25
1500-25
1500-25
1500-26
1500-26
1500-26
1500-26
1500-26
1500-27
1500-27
1500-27
1500-27
1500-27
2007 Edition
CONTENTS
1500-5
10.3 Health and Fitness 1500-27
10.4 Confidential Health Data Base 1500-27
10.5 Infection Control 1500-28
10.6 Fire Department Physician 1500-28
10.7 Fitness for Duty Evaluations 1500-28
Chapter II Member Assistance and Wellness
Programs 1500-28
11.1 Member Assistance Program 1500-28
11.2 Wellness Program 1500-28
Chapter 12 Critical Incident Stress Program 1500—28
12.1 General 1500-28
AnnexA Explanatory Material 1500—28
Annex B Monitoring Compliance with a Fire
Service Occupational Safety and
Healdi Program 1500-51
Annex C Building Hazard Assessment 1500-70
Annex D Risk Management Plan Factors 1500-70
Annex E Fire Fighter Safety at Wildland Fires .... 1500-70
Annex F Hazardous Materials PPE Information . 1500—73
Annex G Sample FaciUty Inspector Checklists ... 1500—74
Annex H Informational References 1500—79
Index 1500-81
2007 Edition ft
#J
1500-6
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEiVLTH PROGRAM
NFPA 1500
Standard on
Fire Department Occupational Safety and
Health Program
2007 Edition
IMPORTANT NOTE: This NFPA document is made available for
use subject to important notices and legal disclaimers. These notices
and disclaimers appear in all publications containing this document
and may be found under the heading "Important Notices and Dis-
claimers Concerning NFPA Documents. " They can also be obtained
on request from NFPA or viewed at xmuw.nfpa.org/disclaimers.
NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter
designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material
on the paragraph can be found in Annex A.
A reference in brackets [ ] following a section or paragraph
indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA
document. As an aid to the user, the complete dtle and edition
of the source documenLs for extracts in mandatory sections of
the document are given in Chapter 2 and those for extracts in
informational sections are given in Annex H. Editorial
changes to extracted material consist of revising references to
an appropriate division in this document or the inclusion of
the document number with the division number when the
reference is to the original document. Requests for interpreta-
tions or revisions of extracted text shall be sent to the techni-
cal committee responsible for the source document.
Information on referenced publications can be found in
Chapter 2 and Annex H.
Chapter 1 Administration
1.1 Scope. This standard shall contain minimum require-
ments for a fire service-related occupational safety and health
program .
1.2 Purpose.
1.2.1 The purpose of this standard shall be to specify the
minimum requirements for an occupational safety and health
program for a fire department.
1.2.2 This standard shall specify safety requirements for
those members involved in rescue, fire suppression, emer-
gency medical services, hazardous materials operations, spe-
cial operations, and rekited activities.
1.2.3* The authority having jurisdiction shall identify which
performance objectives of this standard existing programs or
policies meet.
1.2.4 Nothing herein shall be intended to restrict any juris-
diction from exceeding these minimum requirements.
1.3 Application.
1.3.1 The reqiurements of this standard shall be applicable to
organizations providing rescue, fire suppression, emergency
medical seraces, hazardous materials mitigation, special op-
erations, and other emergency services, including public, mili-
tary, private, and industrial fire departments.
1.3.2 This standard shall not apply to industrial fire brigades
that might also be known as emergency brigades, emergency
response teams, fire teams, plant emergency organizations, or
mine emergency response teams.
1.4 Equivalency.
1.4.1* The authority havingjurisdiction shall be permitted to
approve an equivalent level of qualifications for the require-
ments specified in Chapter 5 of this standard.
1.4.2 The fire department shall provide technical documen-
tation to demonstrate equivalency.
1.5 Adoption Requirements.
1.5.1* When this standard is adopted by a jurisdiction, the
authority having jurisdiction shall set a date or dates for
achieving compliance with the requirements of this standard.
1.5.2* The authority havingjuriscUction shall be permitted to
establish a phase-in schedule for compliance with specific re-
quirements of this standard.
1.5.3 The fire department shall adopt a risk management
plan as specified in Section 4.2 of this standard.
1.5.3.1 This risk management plan shall include a written
plan for compliance with this standard.
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this
chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be con-
sidered part of the requirements of this document.
2.2 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association,
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2007 edition,
NFPA 101®, Life Safely Code^, 2006 edition.
NFPA 472, Skmdard for Professional Competence ofResponders ki
Hazardous Materials Incidents, 2002 edition.
NFPA 473, Standard for Competencies for EMS Personnel Re-
sponding to Hazardous Materials Incidents, 2002 edition.
NFPA 1001, Standard for Eire Fighter Professional Qitalif ca-
tions, 2002 edition.
NFPA 1002, Standard for Eire Apparatus Driver/Operator Profes-
sional Qualifications, 2003 edition.
NFPA 1003, Standard for AirponEire Fighter Professional Qiudi-
fications, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1006, Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qiudi-
fications, 2003 edition.
NFPA 1021, Standard for Eire Officer Professional (hmUfications,
2003 edition.
NFPA 1051, Standard for Wildland Eire Fighter Professiomd
Qiialifications, 2002 edition.
NFPA 1071, Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Profes-
sional Qtialificutions, 2006 edition.
NFPA 1221, Standard for the Instedlalion, Maintenance, and Use
of Emergency Sendees Communications Systems, 2007 edition.
NFPA 1403, Standard on Live Eire Training Evolutions, 2002
edition.
NFPA 1404, Standard for Eire Service Respiratory Protection
Training, 2006 edition.
NFPA 1521, Standard for Eire Department Safety Officer, 2002
edition.
2007 Edition
REFERENCED PUBLIf:ATIONS
1500-7
NFPA 156,1, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Manage-
ment System, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Pro-
gram, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical
Program for Fire Departments, 2007 edition.
NFPA 1583, Standard on Health-Related Fitness Progmms for
Fire Fighters, 2000 edition.
NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical
Search and Rescue Incidents, 2004 edition.
NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of
Stmclural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles, 2001 edition.
NFPA 1852, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Open-
Circuit Self-Contcdned BreatMngAf)paratus (SCBA), 2002 edition.
NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, 2003
edition.
NFPA 1906, Standard for Wildland Fire Apparatus, 2006 edi-
tion.
NFPA 1911, Standard for Service Tests of Fire Pump Systems on
Fire Apparatus, 2002 edition.
NFPA 1912, Standard fen Fire Apparatus Refurbishing, 2006
edition.
NFPA 1914, Standard for Testing Fire Department Aerial Devices,
2002 edidon.
NFPA 1915, Standard for Fire Apparatus Preventive Mainte-
nance Program, 2000 edition.
NFPA 1925, Standard on Marine Fire-Fighting Vessels, 2004
edition.
NFPA 1931 , Standard for Manufacturer's Design of Fire Depart-
ment Ground Ladders, 2004 edition,
NFPA 1 932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing
of fn-Seruice Fire Department Ground Ladders, 2004 edition.
NFPA 1936, Standard on Poiuered Rescue Tools, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1951, Standard on Protective Ensemble for USAR Opera-
tions, 2001 edition.
NFPA 1 961 , Standard on Fire Hose, 2002 edition.
NFPA 1962, Standard for the Inspection, Care, and Use of Fire
Hose, Couplings, and Nozzles and the Service Testing of Fire Hose,
2003 edidon.
NFPA 1964, Standard for Spiny Nozzles, 2003 edition.
NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structured Fire
Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, 2007 edition.
NFPA 1975, Standard on Station/Work Uniforms for Fire and
Emergency Services, 2004 edition.
NFPA 1 977, Standard on Protective Clothing a,nd Equipment for
Wildland Fire Fighting, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus for Fire and Emergency Services, 2002 edition.
NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS),
1998 edition.
NFPA 1983, Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for
Emergency Services, 2006 edition.
NFPA 1989, Standard on Breathing Air Qiudity for Fire and
Emergency Services Respiratory Protection, 2003 edition.
NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazard-
ous Materials Emergencies, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and
Clothing for Hazardous Mcderials Emergencies, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles for First Respond-
ers to CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2007 edition.
NFPA 1999, Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medi-
ccd Operations, 2003 edition.
2.3 Other Publications.
2.3.1 ACGIH Publications. American Conference of Gov-
ernmental Industrial Hygienists, 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive,
Cincinnati, OH 45240-1634.
77.75® and BEIs®, 2005.
2.3.2 ANSI Publications. American National Standards Insti-
tute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
ANSI Z87.1, Pmctice for Occupational and Educational Eye and
Face Protection, 2003,
2.3.3 U.S. Government Publications. U.S. Government Print-
ing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, U.S. Department
of Health and Human Semces, Center for Disease Control
and Prevention. NIOSH Publication 97-140, February 2004.
NIOSH Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, cmd
Nuclear (CBRN) Full Facepiece Air Purifying Respirator (APR),
March 2003.
NIOSH Standard for Chemical, Biologiccd, Radiological, and
Nuclear (CBRN) Open Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
f.S'CM), December 2001.
Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84, Approval of
respiratory protective devices, 2004.
2.3.4 Other Publications.
Lewis, Richard J., Sr., Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial
Materials, 11th ed.,'john Wiley & Sons, 2004.
Merriarn-Wehster's Collegiate Dictionary, 1 1th edition, Meniam-
Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
NFPA 472, Standard for Professional Competence ofRespondas to
Hazardous Materials Incidents, 2002 edition.
NFPA 600, Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1250, Recommended Practice in Emergency Service Organi-
zation Risk Management, 2004 edition.
NFPA 1404, Standard for Fire Service Flespiratory Protection
Trmning, 2006 edition.
NFPA 1451 , Stem dard for a Fire Service Vehicle Operations Train-
ing Program, 2002 edition.
NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Manage-
ment System, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training f err Technical
Search and Rescue Incidents, 2004 edition.
NFPA 1710, Standard for the Organization and DepUryment of Fire
Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Op-
erations to the Public by Career Fire Departments, 2004 edition.
NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fvre Apparatus, 2003
edition.
NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for
Wildland Fire Fighting, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1981, Standard cm Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus for Fire and Emergency Services, 2002 edition.
NFPA i982. Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS),
1998 edition.
NFPA 1 99 1 , Standard on Vctpor-Protective Ensembles for Hazard-
ous Matericds Emergencies, 2005 edition.
NFPA 1994, Stcmdard on Protective Ensembles for First Respond-
ers to CBRN Terrorism Incidents, 2007 edition.
2007 Edition
1500-8
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY /\ND HEALTH PROGRAM
Chapter 3 Definitions
3.1 General. The definitions contained in this chapter shall
apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not
defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall
be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within
the context in which they are used. Meiriam-Webster's Collegiate
Dktionaiy, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily
accepted meaning.
3.2 Official NFPA Definitions.
3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority havingjurisdic-
tion.
3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization,
office, or individual responsible for enforcing the require-
ments of a code or standard, or for approving equipment,
materials, an installation, or a procedure.
3.2.3 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement
3.2.4 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is
advised but not required.
3.3 General Definitions.
3.3.1 Advanced Life Support (ALS). See 3.3.61.1.
3.3.2 Aerial Device. An aerial ladder, elev-ating platform, or wa-
ter tower that is designed to position personnel, handle materi-
als, provide continuous egress, or discharge water. [1901, 2003]
3.3.3* Air Transfer. The process of transferring air from one
SCBA cylinder to another SCBA cylinder of the same rated
presstne capacity by connecting them together with properly
designed fittings and a high-pressure transfer line.
3.3.4* Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting. The fire-fighting ac-
tions taken to rescue persons and to control or extinguish fire
involving or adjacent to aircraft on the ground.
3.3.5 Atmosphere.
3.3.5. 1 * Hazardous Atmosphere. Any atmosphere that is oxy-
gen deficient or that contains a toxic or disease-producing
contaminant. [1404, 2006]
3.3.5.2 Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere. Air atmospheres con-
taining less than 19.5 percent oxygen by volume at one
standard atmosphere pressure.
3.3.6 Basic Life Support (BLS). See 3.3.61.2.
3.3.7 Biological Terrorism Agents. Liquid or particulate agents
that can consist of biologically derived toxin or pathogen to in-
flict lethal or incapacitating casualties. [1994, 2007]
3.3.8* Candidate. Aperson who has submitted an application
to become a member of the fire department.
3.3.9 CBRN. An abbreviation for chemicals, biological
agents, and radiological particulate hazards.
3.3.10* Chemical Flash Fire. The ignition of a flammable and
ignitible vapor or gas that produces an outward expanding
flame front as those vapors or gases burn. This burning and
expanding flame front, a fireball, will release both thermal
and kinetic energy to the environment. [1991, 2005]
3.3.11 Chemical Terrorism Agents. Liquid, solid, gaseous, and
vapor chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals
used to inflict lethal or incapacitating casualties, generally on a
civilian population as a result of a terrorist attack. [1994, 2007]
3.3.12* Clear Text. The use of plain language in radio com-
munications transmissions.
3.3.13 aosed-Circuit SCBA. See 3.3.87.1.
3.3.14 Cold Zone. See 3.3.19.1.
3.3.15 Communicable Disease. See 3.3.24.1.
3.3.16* Company. A group of members (1) under the direct
supervision of an officer; (2) trained and equipped to perform
assigned ta.sks; (3) usually organized and identified as engine
companies, ladder companies, rescue companies, squad com-
panies, or multi-functional companies; (4) operating with one
piece of fire apparatus (pumper, aerial fire apparatus, elevat-
ing platform, quint, rescue, squad, ambulance) except where
multiple apparatus are assigned that are dispatched and arrive
together, continuously operate together, and are managed by
a single company officer; (5) arriving at the incident scene on
fire apparatus.
3.3.17* Confined Space. An area large enough and so config-
ured that a member can bodily enter and perform assigned
work but which has limited or restricted means for entry and
exit and is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
3.3.18 Contaminant. A harmful, irritating, or nuisance mate-
rial foreign to the normal atmosphere. [1404, 2006]
3.3.19 Control Zones. The areas at an incident that are desig-
nated based upon safety and the degree of hazard.
3.3.19.1 Cold Zone. The control zone of an incident that
contains the command post and such other support func-
tions as are deemed necessary to control the incident.
3.3.19.2 Hot Zone. The control zone immediately sur-
rounding a hazardous area, which extends far enough to
prevent adverse effects to personnel outside the zone.
3.3.19.3 Warm Zone. The control zone outside the hot
zone where personnel and equipment decontamination
and hot zone support takes place.
3.3.20 Crew. A team of two or more fire fighters.
3.3.21* Cryogenic Liquid. A refrigerated liquefied gas having
a boiling point below -130T (-90°C) at atmospheric pre.s-
sure. [1991, 2005]
3.3.22 Debilitating Illness or Injiuy. A condition that tempo-
rarily or permanendy prevents a member of the fire depart-
ment from engaging in normal duties and activities as a result
of illness or injur)'.
3.3.23 Defensive Operations. See 3.3.69.1.
3.3.24 Disease.
3.3.24.1* Communicable Disease. A disease that can be
transmitted from one person to another.
3.3.24.2 Infectious Disease. An illness or disease resulting
from invasion of a host by disease-producing organisms
such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
3.3.25 Drug. Any substance, chemical, over-the-counter medi-
cation, or prescribed medication that can affect the performance
of the fire fighter.
3.3.26 Emergency Incident See 3.3.51.1.
3.3.27 Emeigency Medical Services. The provision of treat-
ment, such as first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic
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DEFINITIONS
1500-9
life support, advanced life support, and other pre-hospital
procedures including ambulance transportation, to patients.
3.3.28 Emergency Operations. See 3.3.69.2.
3.3.29 Eye Protection. See 3.3.73, Primary Eye Protection.
3.3.30* Faceshield. A protective device commonly intended
to shield the wearer's face, or porrions thereof, in addition to
the eyes from certain hazards, depending on faceshield type.
3.3.31 Facility. See 3.3.35, Fire Department Facility
3.3.32 Fire Apparatus. A vehicle designed to be used under
emergency conditions to transport personnel and equipment,
and to .support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other
hazardous situations. [1901, 2003]
3.3.33 Fire Chief. The highest ranking officer in charge of a
fire department. [1710, 2004]
3.3.34* Fire Department. An organization providing rescue,
fire suppres.sion, and related services.
3.3.35* Fire Department Facility. Any building or area owned,
operated, occupied, or used by a fire department on a routine
basis.
3.3.36 Fire Department Member. See 3.3.63, Member.
3.3.37 Fire Fighting.
3.3.37.1* Proximity Fire Fighting. Specialized fire-fighung
operations that can include the activities of rescue, fire sup-
pression, and property consei-vation at incidents involving
fires producing veiy high levels of conductive, convective,
and radiant heat such as aircraft fires, bulk flammable gas
fires, and bulk flammable liquid fires.
3.3.37.2 Structural Fire Fighting. The activities of rescue,
fire suppression, and property conservation in buildings,
enclosed structures, aircraft interiors, vehicles, vessels, air-
craft, or like properties that are involved in a fire or emer-
gency situation. [1710, 2004]
3.3.37.3 Wildlaml Fire Fighting. The activities of fire sup-
pression and property conservation in woodlands, forests,
grasslands, brush, prairies, and other such vegetation, or any
combination of vegetation, that is involved in a fire situation
but is not within buildings or structures. [1977, 200,5]
3.3.38 Fire Shelter. An item of protective equipment config-
ured as an aluminized tent utilized for protection, by means of
reflecting radiant heat, in a fire entrapment situation.
3.3.39* Fire Suppression. The activities involved in control-
ling and extinguishing fires.
3.3.40 Goggle. A protective device intended to fit the face
surrounding the eyes in order to shield the eyes from certain
hazards, depending on goggle type.
3.3.41* Hazard. A condition that presents the potential for
harm or damage to people, property, or the environment.
3.3.42 Hazardous Area. The area where members might be
exposed to a hazard or hazardous atmosphere. A particular
substance, device, event, circumstance, or condition that pre-
sents a danger to members of the tire department.
3.3.43 Hazardous Atmosphere. See 3.3.5.1.
3.3.44 Hazardous Material. A substance (solid, liquid, or gas)
that when released is capable of creating harm to people, the
environment, and property. [472, 2002]
3.3.45 Hazardous Materials Operations. See 3.3.69.3.
3.3.46 Health and Fitness Coordinator. The person who, un-
der the supervision of the fire department physician, has been
designated by the department to coordinate and be respon-
sible for the health and fitne.ss programs of the department.
3.3.47* Health and Safely Officer. The member of the fire
department assigned and authorized by the fire chief as the
manager of the safety and health program.
3.3.48 Health Data Base. A compilation of records and data
that relates to the health experience of a group of individuals
and is maintained in a manner such that it is retrievable for
study and analysis over a period of time.
3.3.49 Hot Zone. See 3.3.19.2.
3.3.50 Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH). Any
condition that would pose an immediate or delayed threat to
life, cause irreversible adverse health effects, or interfere with
an individual's ability to escape unaided from a hazardous en-
vironment. [1670,2004]
3.3.51 Incident.
3.3.51.1 Emergency Incident. Any situation to which the
emergency semces organization responds to deliver emer-
gency services, including rescue, fire suppression, emergency
medical care, special operations, law enforcement, and other
forms of hazard control and mitigation. [1561, 2005]
3.3.51.2 Rescue Incident. An emergency incident that pri-
marily involves the rescue of persons subject to physical
danger and that can include the provision of emergency
medical services.
3.3.51.3 Traffic Incident. An emergency road user occur-
rence, a natural disaster, or other unplanned event that
affects or impedes the normal flow of traffic.
3.3.52 Incident Action Plan. The objectives reflecting the
overall incident strategy, tactics, risk management, and mem-
ber safety that are developed by the incident commander. In-
cident action pkms are updated throughout the incident.
3.3.53 Incident Commander (IC). The person who is respon-
sible for all decisions relating to the management of the inci-
dent and is in charge of the incident site. [472, 2002]
3.3.54* Incident Management System (IMS). A system that de-
fines the roles and responsibilities to be assumed by respond-
ers and the standard operating procedures to be used in the
management and direction of emergency incidents and other
functions.
3.3.55* Incident Safety Officer. A member of the command
staff responsible for monitoring and assessing .safety hazards
and unsafe situations, and for developing measures for ensur-
ing personnel safety.
3.3.56 Industrial Fire Brigade. An organized group of em-
ployees within an industrial occupancy who are knowledge-
able, trained, and skilled in at least basic fire-fighting opera-
tions, and whose full-time occupation might or might not be
the provision of fire suppression and related activities for their
employer. [600, 2005]
3.3.57* Infection Control Program. The fire department's for-
mal policy and implementation of procedures relating to the
control of infectious and communicable disease hazards where
employees, patients, or the general public could be exposed to
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Npnf
1500-10
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials in the
fire department work environment.
3.3.58 Infectious Disease. See 3.3.24.2.
3.3.59 Interface Component. Any material, part, or subas-
sembly used in the construction of the compliant product that
provides limited protection to interface areas.
3.3.60 life Safety Rope. Rope dedicated solely for the pur-
pose of supporting people during rescue, fire-fighting, other
emergency operations, or during training evolutions.
3.3.61 Life Support.
3.3.61.1 Advanced Life Support (ALS). Emergency medical
treatment beyond basic life support level as defined by the
medical authority having jurisdiction.
3.3.61.2 Basic Life Support (BLS). Emergency medical
treatment at a level as defined by the medical authority
having jurisdiction.
3.3.62* Liquefied Gas. Agas that, under its charged pressure,
is partially liquid at 70°F (21°C).
3.3.63* Member. A person involved in performing the duties
and responsibilities of a fire department, under the auspices
of the organization.
3.3.64 Member Assistance Program (MAP). A generic term
used to describe the various methods used in the fire depart-
ment for the control of alcohol and other substance abuse,
stress, and personal problems that adversely affect member
performance.
3.3.65 Member Organization. An organization formed to rep-
resent the collective and individual rights and interests of the
members of the fire department, such as a labor union or fire
fighters' association.
3.3.66 Occupational Illness. An illness or disease contracted
through or aggravated by the performance of the duties, re-
sponsibihties, and functions of a tire department member.
3.3.67 Occupational Injury. An injury sust;xined during the
performance of the duties, responsibilities, and functions of a
fire department member.
3.3.68 Offensive Operations. See 3.3.69.4.
3.3.69 Operations.
3.3.69.1* Defensive Operations. Actions that are intended
to control a fire by limiting its spread to a defined area,
avoiding the commitment of personnel and equipment to
dangerous areas.
3.3.69.2 Emergency Operations. Activities of the fire depart-
ment relating to rescue, fire suppression, emergency medical
care, and special operations, including response to the scene
of the incident and all functions performed at the scene.
3.3.69.3 Hazardous Materials Operations. All activities per-
formed at the scene of a hiizardous materials incident that
expose fire department members to the dangers of hazard-
ous materials.
3.3.69.4 Offensive Operations. Actions generally performed
in the interior of involved structures that involve a direct at-
tack on a tire to directly control and extinguish the fire.
3.3.69.5* Special Operations. Those emergency incidents to
which the fire department responds that require specific and
advanced training and specialized tools and equipment.
3.3.70 Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere. See 3.3.5.2.
3.3.71* Particulates. Solid matter that is dispersed in air as a
mixture. [1994,2007]
3.3.72 Personnel Accountability System. A system that readily
identifies both the location and function of all members oper-
ating at an incident scene.
3.3.73 Primary Eye Protection. A protective device specifically
intended to shield the eyes from certain hazards while permit-
tingvision. (See also 3.3.30, Faceshield; 3.3.40, Goggle; and3.3.90,
Spectacles.)
3.3.74 Procedure. An organizational directive issued by the
authority having jurisdiction or by the department that estab-
lishes a specific policy that must be followed. [1561, 2005]
3.3.75* Protective Ensemble. Multiple elements of compliant
protective clothing and equipment that when worn together
provide protection from some risks, but not all risks, of emer-
gency incident operations.
3.3.76 Proximity Fire Fighting. See 3.3.37.1.
3.3.77 Qualified Person. A person who, by possession of a
recognized degree, certificate, professional standing, or skill,
and who, by knowledge, training, and experience, has demon-
strated the ability to deal with problems related to a particular
subject matter, work, or project. [1451, 2002]
3.3.78* Rapid Intervention Crew/Company (RIC). A mini-
mum of two fully equipped members who are on-site and as-
signed specifically to initiate the immediate rescue of injured
or trapped members.
3.3.79 Related Activities. Any and all functions that fire de-
partment members can be called upon to perform in the ex-
ecution of their duties.
3.3.80 Rescue. Those activities directed at locating endan-
gered per.sons at an emergency incident, removing those per-
sons from danger, treating the injured, and providing for
transport to an appropriate health care facility. (See also 3.3. 93,
Technical Rescue. )
3.3.81 Rescue Incident. See 3.3.51.2.
3.3.82* Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE). Devices that
are designed to protect the respirator)' system against expo-
sure to gases, vapors, or particulates. [1404, 2006]
3.3.83 Risk. A measure of the probability and severity of
adverse effects that result from an exposure to a hazard.
[1451, 2002]
3.3.84 Risk Management. The process of planning, organiz-
ing, directing, and controlling the resources and activities of
an organization in order to minimize detrimental effects on
that organization. [1250, 2004]
3.3.85 SCBA. Acronym for Self-Contained Breathing Appa-
ratus. [1982, 1998]
3.3.86 Seat Belt. A two-point lap belt, a three-point lap/
shoulder belt, or a four-point lap/shoulder harness for vehicle
occupants designed to limit their movement in the event of an
accident, rapid acceleration, or rapid deceleration by securing
individuals safely to a vehicle in a seated position. (See also
3.3. 95, Vehicle Safely Harness.)
3.3.87 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). A respira-
tor worn by the user that supplies a lespirable atmosphere that
2007 Edition
FIRE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION
1500-11
is either carried in or generated by the apparatus and is inde-
pendent of the ambient environment.
3.3.87. 1 Closed-Circuit SCBA. A recirculation-type SCBA in
which the exhaled gas is re-breathed by the wearer after the
carbon dioxide has been removed from the exhalation gas
and the oxygen content within the system has been re-
stored from sources such as compressed breathing air,
chemical oxygen, and liquid oxygen, or compressed gas-
eous oxygen. [1981,2002]
3.3.88 Service Test. The regular, periodic inspection and
testing of apparatus and equipment, according to an estab-
lished schedule and guidehne, to ensure that they are in safe
and functional operating condition.
3.3.89 Spedal Operations. See 3.3.69.5.
3.3.90* Spectacles. A protective device intended to shield the
wearer's eyes from certain hazards depending on the spectacle
type.
3.3.91 Structural Fire Fighting. See 3.3.37.2.
3.3.92 Tactical Level Management Component (TLMC). A
management unit identified in the incident management sys-
tem commonly known as "division," "group," or "sector."
[1561, 2005]
3.3.93 Technical Rescue. The application of special knowl-
edge, skills, and equipment to safely resolve unique and/or
complex rescue situations. [1670, 2004]
3.3.94 Traffic Incident. See 3.3.51.3.
3.3.95 Vehicle Safety Harness. A restraint device for vehicle
occupants designed to limit their movement in the event of an
accident, rapid acceleration, or rapid deceleration by securing
individuals safely to a vehicle either in a seated position or
tethered to the vehicle. (See also 3.3.86, Seat Belt.)
3.3.96 Warm Zone. See 3.3.19.3.
3.3.97 Wildland Fire Fighting. See 3.3..37.3.
Chapter 4 Fire Department Administration
4.1 Fire Department Oi^anizational Statement.
4.1.1* The fire department shall prepare and maintain a written
statement or policy that establishes the existence of the fire de-
partment, the services the fire department is authorized and ex-
pected to perform, and the basic organizational stnicture.
4.1.2* The fire department shall prepare and maintain written
policies and standard operating procedures that document
the organization structure, membership, roles and responsi-
bilities, expected functions, and training requirements, in-
cluding the following:
(1) The types of standard evolutions that are expected to be
pertbrmed and the evolutions that must be performed si-
multaneously or in sequence for difi'erent types of situations
(2) The minimum number of members who are required to
perform each function or evolution and the manner in
which the funcfion is to be performed
(3) The number and types of apparatus and the number of per-
sonnel diat will be dispatched to different types of incidents
(4) The procedures that will be employed to initiate and man-
age operations at the scene of an emergency incident
4.1.3 The organizational statement and procedures shall be
available for inspection by members or their designated repre-
sentative.
4.2 Risk Management Plan.
4.2.1* The fire department shall develop and adopt a compre-
hensive written risk management plan.
4.2.2 The risk management plan shall at least cover the risks
associated with the following:
(1) Administration
(2) Facilities
(3) Training
(4) Vehicle operations, both emergency and non-emergency
(5) Protective clothing and equipment
(6) Operations at emergency incidents (see Annex C)
(7) Operations at non-emergency incidents
(8) Other related activities
4.2.3* The risk management plan shall include at least the
following components (.see Annex D):
(1) Risk identification — actual and potential hazards
(2) Risk evaluation — likelihood of occurrence of a given haz-
ard and severity of its consequences
(3) Establishment of priorities for action — the degree of a
hazard based upon the frequency and risk of occurrence
(4) Risk control techniques — .solutions for elimination or
mitigation of potential hazards; implementiition of best
solution
(5) Risk management monitoring — evaluation of effective-
ness of risk control techniques
4.3 Safety and Health Policy.
4.3.1* The fire department shall adopt an official written de-
partmental occupational safety and health policy that identi-
fies specific goals and objectives for the prevention and elimi-
nation of accidents and occupational injuries, exposures to
communicable disease, illnesses, and fatalities.
4.3.2 It shall be the policy of the fire department to seek and
to provide for its members an occupational safety and health
program that complies with this standard.
4.3.3* The fire department shall evaluate the effectiveness of
the occupational safety and health program at least once every
3 years.
4.3.3.1 An audit report of the findings shall be submitted to
the fire chief and to the members of the occupational safety
and health committee.
4.4 Roles and Responsibilities.
4.4.1 It shall be the responsibility of the fire department to
research, develop, implement, and enforce an occupational
safety and health program that recognizes and reduces the
inherent risks involved in the operations of afire department.
4.4.2 The fire department shall be responsible for compli-
ance with all applicable laws and legal requirements with re-
.spect to member safety and health.
4.4.3* The fire department shall establisli and enforce rules,
regulations, and standard operating procedures to meet the
objectives of this standard.
4.4.4 The fire department shall be responsible for develop-
ing and implementing an accident investigation procedure.
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1500-12
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
4.4.5* All accidents, near misses, injuries, fatalities, occupa-
tional illnesses, and exposures involving members shall be
investigated.
4.4.5.1 All accidents involving fire department vehicles,
equipment, or fire department facilities shall be investigated.
4.4.5.2 The fire department shall take the corrective action
neces.sary to avoid repetitive occurrences of accidents and ex-
posure to communicable diseases.
4.4.5.3 Records of such investigations shall be kept in accor-
dance with the applicable provisions of 4.6.1.
4.4.6 Each individual member of the fire department shall
cooperate, participate, and comply with the provisions of the
occtipational safety and health program.
4.4.7 It shall be the right of each member to be protected by ;m
effective occupational safety and health program and to partici-
pate or be represented in the research, development, implemen-
tation, evaluation, and enforcement of the program.
4.4.8 The naember organization, where such an organization
exists, shall cooperate with the fire department by represent-
ing the interests and the welfare of the members in the re-
search, development, implementation, and evaluation of the
occupational safety and health program.
4.4.8.1 The member organization shall have the right to rep-
resent the individual and collective rights of its members in
the occupational safety and health program.
4.5 Occupational Safety and Health Comnuttee.
4.5.1* An occupational siifety and health committee shall be es-
tablished and shall serve the fire chief in an advi.sory capacit)'.
4.5.1.1 The committee shall include the following members:
(1) The designated fire department health and safety officer
(2) Representatives of fire department management
(3) Individual members or representatives of member
organizations
4.5.1.2 The committee shall also be permitted to include
other persons.
4.5.1.3 Representatives of member organizations shall be se-
lected by their respective organizations, but other committee
members shall be appointed to the committee by the fire chief.
4.5.2 The purpose of this committee shall be to conduct re-
search, develop recommendations, and study and review mat-
ters pertaining to occupational safety and health within the
fire department.
4.5.3* The committee shall hold regularly scheduled meet-
ings and shall be permitted to hold special meetings whenever
necessary.
4.5.3.1 Regular meetings shall be held at least once every
6 months.
4.5.3.2 Written minutes of each meeting shall be retained
and shall be made available to all members.
4.6 Records.
4.6.1* The fire department shall establish a data collection
system and maintain permanent records of all accidents, inju-
ries, illne.sses, exposures to infectious agents and communi-
cable diseases, or deaths that are job related.
4.6.2 The data collection system shall also maintain indi-
vidual records of any occupational exposure to known or sus-
pected toxic products or infectious or communicable diseases.
4.6.3 The fire department shall ensure that a confidential
health record for each member and a health data base are
maintained.
4.6.4* The fire department shall maintain training records for
each member indicating dates, subjects covered, satisfactory
completion, and, if any, certifications achieved.
4.6.5 The fire department shall ensure that inspection, mainte-
nance, repair, and service records are maintained for all vehicles
and equipment used for emergency operations and training.
4.7 Appointment of the Health and Safety Officer.
4.7.1 The fire chief shall appoint a designated fire depart-
ment health and safety ofticer.
4.7.2 The health and safety officer shall meet the qualifications
defined in NFPA 1 52 1 , Standard Jbr Fire Defjartrnent Safety Officer.
4.7.3 The fire chief shall ensure that the fire department
health and safety officer is given the authority to administer
the health and .safety program.
4.7.4 The health and safety officer shall perform the func-
tions defined in NFPA 1.521.
4.7.5 The fire department health and safety officer shall be
responsible for the management of the occupational safety
and health program.
4.7.6 The fire chief shall make available such additional
safety officers and resources as required to fulfill the require-
ments of the occupational safety and health program to meet
the requirements of NFPA 1521.
Chapter 5 Training, Education,
and Professional Development
5.1 General Reqtiirements.
5.1.1* The fire department shall establish and maintain a
training, education, and professional development program
with a goal of preventing occupational deaths, injuries, and
illnesses.
5.1.2 The fire department shall provide training, education,
and professional development for all department members
commensurate with the duties and fimctions that they are ex-
pected to perform.
5.1.3 The fire department shall establish training and educa-
tion programs that provide new members initial training, pro-
ficiency opportunities, and a method of skill and knowledge
evaluation for duties assigned to the member prior to engag-
ing in emergency operations.
5.1.4* The fire department shall restrict the activities of new
members during emergency operations until the member
has demonstrated the skills and abilities to complete the
tasks expected.
5.1.5 The fire department shall prowde all members with train-
ing and education on the deparmient's risk management plan.
5.1.6 The fire depivrtment shall provide all members with train-
ing and education on the department's written procedures.
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1500-13
5.1.7 The fire department shall provide all members with a
training, education, and professional development program
commensurate with the emergency medical services that are
provided by the department.
5.1.8 The fire department shall provide all members with a
training and education program that covers the operation,
hmitadon, maintenance, and retirement criteria for all as-
signed personal protective equipment (PPE) expected to be
utilized by members.
5.1.9 As a duty function, members shall be responsible to main-
tain proficiency in their skills and knowledge, and to avail them-
selves of the professional development provided to the members
through department training and education programs.
5.1.10 Training programs for all members engaged in emer-
gency operations shall include procedures for the safe exit
and accountability of members during rapid evacuation,
equipment failure, or other dangerous situations and events.
5.1.11 All members who are likely to be involved in emer-
gency operations shall be trained in the incident management
and accountability system used by the fire department.
5.2 Member Qualifications.
5.2.1 All members who engage in structural fire fighting shall
meet the requirements of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter
Professional Qualifications.
5.2.2* All driver/operators shall meet the requirements of
NFPA 1002, Standard fw Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional
Qualifications.
5.2.3 All aircraft rescue fire fighters (ARFF) shall meet the
requirements of NFPA 1003, Standard fo-r Airpori Fire Fighter Pro-
fessional Qualifications.
5.2.4 All fire officers shall meet the requirements of NFPA 1021 ,
Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications.
5.2.5 All wildland fire fighters shall meet the requirements of
NFPA 1051, Standard for Wildland Fire Fighter Professional Qualifi-
cations. (See Annex E. )
5.2.6* All members responding to hazardous materials inci-
dents shall meet the operations level as required in NFPA 472,
Standard, for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous
Materiah Incidents.
5.3 Training Requirements.
5.3.1* The fire department shall adopt or develop training
and education curricuhims that meet the minimum require-
ments outlined in professional qualification standards cover-
ing a member's a.ssigned function.
5.3.2 The fire department shall provide training, education,
and professional development programs as required to sup-
port the minimum qualifications and certifications expected
of its members.
5.3.3 Members shall practice a.ssigned skill sets on a regular
basis but not less than annually.
5.3.4 The fire department shall provide specific traitiing to
members when written policies, practices, procedures, or
guidelines are changed and/or updated.
5.3.5* The respiratory protection training program shall meet
the requirements of NFPA 1404, Standard for Fire Service Respi-
ratory Protection Iraining.
5.3.6 Members who perform wildland fire fighting shall be
trained at least annually in the proper deployment of an ap-
proved fire shelter.
5.3.7* All live fire training and exercises shall be conducted
in accordance with NFPA 1403, Standard on Live Fire Training
Evolutions.
5.3.8* All training and exercises shall be conducted under the
direct supervision of a qualified instructor.
5.3.9* All members who are likely to be involved in emergency
medical services shall meet the training requirements of the
AHJ.
5.3.10* Members shall be fully trained in the care, use, inspec-
tion, maintenance, and limitations of the protective clothing
and protective equipment assigned to them or available for
their use.
5.3.11 All members shall meet the training requirements as
outlined in NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident
Management System.
5.3.12 All members shall meet the training requirements as
oudined in NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infection
Control Program.
5.4 Special Operations Training.
5.4.1 The fire department shall pro\'ide specific and ad-
vanced training to members who engage in special operations
as a technician.
5.4.2 The fire department shall provide specific training to
members who are likely to respond to special operations inci-
dents in a support role to special operations technicians.
5.4.3 Members expected to perform hazardous materials
mitigation activities shall meet the training requirements of a
technician as outlined in NFPA 472.
5.4.4 Members expected to perform technical operations at
the technician level as defined in NFPA 1670, Standard on Op-
erations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents,
shall meet the training requirements specified in NFPA 1006,
Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications.
5.5 Meniber Proficiency.
5.5.1 The fire department shall develop a recurring profi-
ciency cycle with the goal of preventing skill degradation and
potential for injury and death of members.
5.5.2 The fire department shall develop and maintain a sys-
tem to monitor and measure training progress and activities of
its members.
5.5.3* The fire department shall provide an annual skills check
to verify minimum professional qualifications of its members.
Chapter 6 Fire Apparatus, Equipment, and
Drivers/Operators
6.1 Fire Department Apparatus.
6.1.1* The fire department shall consider .safety and health as
primary concerns in the specification, design, construction,
acquisition, operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of
all fire department apparatus.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROG1U.M
6.1.1.1* The fire department shall specify restraint devices for
fire apparatus, including those restraint devices for emer-
gency medical service (EMS) members operating in the pa-
tient compartment of the ambulance.
6.1.2 All new fire apparatus shall be specified and ordered to
meet the applicable requirements of NFPA 1901, Standard for
Aul.omol.ive Fire Apparatus.
6.1.3 All new wildland fire apparatus shall be specified and
ordered to meet the requirements of NFPA 1906, Standard for
Wildland Fire Apparatus.
6.1.4 All marine fire-fighdng vessels shall be specified and
ordered to meet the requirements of NFPA 1925, Standard on
Marine Fire-Fighting Vessels.
6.1.5* Where tools, equipment, or respiratory protection are
carried within enclosed seating areas of fire apparatus or the
patient compartment of an ambulance, such items shall be
secured by either a positive mechanical means of holding the
item in its stowed position or by placement in a compartment
with a positive latching door.
6.1.6 When fire apparatus is refurbished, it shall be specified
and ordered to meet the applicable requirements of NFPA 1912,
Standard for Fire Apj>aratus Refurbishing.
6.1.7 Fire departments that operate their own fixed-wing or
rotaiy aircraft for fire department operations shall provide
four-point restraints for all pilots and passengers, not includ-
ing any EMS patients.
6.1.7.1 Members performing hoist rescue in the passenger
area of the aircraft shall be secured by a vehicle safety harness
or seat belt system.
6.2 Drivers/ Operators of Fire Department Apparatus.
6.2.1* Fire apparatus shall be operated only by members who
have successfully completed an approved driver training pro-
gram commensurate with the type of apparatus the member
will operate or by trainee drivers who are under the supervi-
sion of a qualified driver.
6.2.2* The driver of a fire department vehicle shall be required
to possess a valid driver's license for the class of vehicle, as speci-
fied by the AHJ.
6.2.2.1 Fire department vehicles shall be operated in compli-
ance with all applicable traffic laws, including special provi-
sions pertaining to emergency vehicles as established by the
AHJ, as well as specific rules, regulations, and procedures
adopted by the fire department
6.2.3* The fire department shall establish specific rules, regu-
lations, and procedures relating to the operation of fire de-
partment vehicles in an emergency mode, including guide-
lines to establish when emergency response is authorized and
when emergency response is not authorized.
6.2.4* Drivers of fire apparatus shall be directly responsible
for the safe and prudent operation of the vehicles under all
conditions.
6.2.4.1 When the driver is under the direct supervision of an
oiiicer, that officer shall also assume responsibility for the driver's
actions.
6.2.5 Drivers shall not move fire apparatus until all persons
on the vehicle are seated and secured with seat belts in
approved riding positions, other than as specifically al-
lowed in this chapter.
6.2.6 Drivers of fire apparatus shall obey all traffic control
signals and signs and all laws and rules of the road of the
jurisdiction for the operation of motor vehicles.
6.2.7* The fire department shall develop standard operating
procedures for safely driving fire apparatus during non-
emergency travel and emergency response and shall include
specific criteria for vehicle speed, crossing intersections, tra-
versing railroad grade crossings, the use of emergency warn-
ing devices, and the backing of fire apparatus.
6.2.7.1* Procedures for all responses shall emphasize that the
safe arrival of fire apparatus to the incident scene is the first
priority.
6.2.8* During emergency response, drivers of fire apparatus
shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop under any of the
following circumstances:
( 1 ) When directed by a law enforcement officer
(2) At red traffic lights
(3) At stop signs
(4) At negative right-of-way intersections
(5) At bhnd intersections
(6) 'When the driver cannot account for all lanes of traffic in
an intersecticm
(7) When other intersection hazards are present
(8) When encountering a stopped school bus with Hashing
warning lights
6.2.9 Drivers shall proceed through intersections only when the
driver can account for all lanes of traffic in the intersection.
6.2.10* During emergency response or non-emergency travel,
drivers of fire apparatus shall come to a complete stop at all
unguarded railroad grade crossings and ensure that it is safe
to proceed before crossing the railroad track(s).
6.2.11 Drivers shall use caution when approaching and cross-
ing any guarded railroad grade crossing.
6.2.12 The fire department .shall include information on the
potential hazards of retarders, such as engine, transmission,
and driveline retarders, in the driver training program and
shall develop written procedures pertaining to the use of such
retarders.
6.2.13 The fire department shall develop written procedures
requiring drivers to discontinue the use of manual brake lim-
iting valves, frequently labeled as a "wet road/dry road" switch,
and requiring that the valve/switch remains in the "dry road"
position.
6.2.14* Where members are authorized to respond to inci-
dents or to fire stations in private vehicles, the fire departinent
shall establish specific rules, regulations, and procedures relat-
ing to the operation of private vehicles in an emergency mode.
6.2.14.1 These rules and regulations shall be at least equal
to the provisions regulating the operation of fire depart-
ment vehicles.
6.2.14.2* These rules and regulations shall also apply to the
use of emergency lighting equipment, audible warning de-
vices, or both on private vehicles.
6.2.14.2.1 The rules and regulations shall specify the proce-
dures for use of emergency lighting equipment and audible
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FIRE APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, AND DRIVERS/OPERATORS
1500-1,5
warning devices and shall be in compliance with the motor
vehicle laws of the jurisdiction.
6.2.14.2.2 Emergency lighting equipment and audible warn-
ing devices shall not be installed without the fire department's
approval.
6.3 Riding in Fire Apparatus.
6.3.1* All persons riding in fire apparatus shall be seated and
belted securely by seat belts in approved riding positions at
any time the vehicle is in motion other than as allowed in 6.3.4
and 6.3.5. Standing or riding on tail steps, sidesteps, running
boards, or in any other exposed position shall be .specifically
prohibited.
6.3.2 Seat belts shall not be released or loosened for any pur-
pose while the vehicle is in motion, including the donning of
respiratory protection equipment or protective clothing.
6,3.3* Members actively peiforming necessary emergency
medical care while the vehicle is in motion shall be secured to
the vehicle by a seat belt, or by a vehicle .safety harness de-
signed for occupant restraint, to the extent consistent with the
effective provision of .such emergency medical care.
6.3.3.1 All other persons in the vehicle shall be seated and
belted in approved riding positions while the vehicle is in
motion.
6.3.4* Fire departments permitting hose loading operations
while the vehicle is in motion shall develop written standard
operating procedures addressing all safety aspects.
6.3.5* Fire departments permitting tiller training, where both
the instructor and the trainee are at the tiller position, shall
develop written standard operating procedures addressing all
safety aspects.
6.3.6* Helmets shall be provided for and used by persons
riding in open cab apparatus or open tiller seats.
6.3.7* Eye protection shall be provided for members riding in
open cab apparattis or open tiller seats.
6.3.8* On existing fire apparatus where there is an insufficient
number of seats available for the number of members as-
-signed to or expected to ride on that piece of apparatus, alter-
nate means of transportation that provide seated and belted
positions shall be used.
6.4 Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Fire Apparatus.
6.4.1* All fire apparattis shall be in.spected at least weekly,
within 24 hours after any use or repair, and prior to being
placed in service or used for emergency purposes, in order to
identify and correct unsafe conditions.
6.4.2 A preventive maintenance program shall be estab-
lished, and records shall be maintained as specified in 4.6.5.
6.4.3 Inspection, maintenance, and repair of fire apparatus
•shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 1915, Slandardfor
Fire Apparatus Preventive Maintenance Program.
6.4.4* The tire department shall establish a list of major de-
fects to be utilized to evaluate when a vehicle shall be declared
unsafe.
6.4.4.1 Any fire department vehicle found to be unsafe shall
be placed out of service until repaired.
6.4.5 All repairs to fire department apparatus shall be per-
formed by personnel meeting the requirements of NFPA 1071,
Slandardfor Emergenq Vehicle Technician Professitmal Qualifications,
or personnel trained to meet the requirements identified by the
manufacturers in their specifications and procedures for fire de-
partment vehicles and protective equipment.
6.4.6 Fire pumps on apparatus shall be service tested in ac-
cordance with the appUcable requirements of NFPA 1911,
Standard for Service Tests of Fire Pump Systems on Fire Apparatus.
6.4.7 All aerial devices shall be inspected and service tested in
accordance with the applicable requirements of NFPA 1914,
Standard for Testing Fire Department Aerial Devices.
6.4.8 All fire apparatus .shall be cleaned and disinfected in
accordance with NFPA 1581, Standard on Fire Department Infoc-
tion Control Program.
6.5 Tools and Equipment.
6.5.1 The fire department shall consider safety and health as
primary concerns in the specification, design, con.struction,
acquisition, operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of
all tools and equipment.
6.5.2 The hearing con.servation objectives of this standard
shall be taken into account in the acquisition of new power
tools and power equipment.
6.5.3 All new fire department ground ladders shall be speci-
fied and ordered to meet the applicable requirements of
NFPA 1931, Standard for Manufacturer's Design of Fire Depatiment
Ground, Ladders.
6.5.4 All new fire hose shall be specified and ordered to meet
the applicable requirements of NFPA 1961, Standard <m Fire Hose.
6.5.5 All new fire department spray nozzles shall be specified
and ordered to meet the applicable requirements of NFPA 1964,
Standard for Spiny Nozzles.
6.5.6* All equipment canied on fire apparatus or designated for
training shall be in.spected at least weekly and within 24 hours
after any use.
6.5.7 Inventory records shall be maintained for the equip-
ment carried on each vehicle and for equipment designated
for training.
6.5.8 All equipment carried on fire apparatus or designated
for training shall be tested at least annually in accordance with
manufactvirers' instructions and applicable standards.
6.5.9 Fire-fighting equipment found to be defective or in un-
serviceable condition shall be removed from service and re-
paired or replaced.
6.5.10 All fire department equipment and tools shall be
cleaned and disinfected in accordance with NFPA 1581.
6.5.11 All ground ladders shall be inspected and service
tested in accordance with the applicable requirements of
NFPA 1932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of
In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders.
6.5.12 All fire hose shall be inspected and service tested in
accordance with the applicable requirements of NFPA 1962,
Standard for the Inspection, Care, and U.se of Fire Hose, Couplings,
and Nozzles and the Service Testing of Fire Hose.
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1500-16
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
6.5.13 All fire extingviishers shall be inspected and tested in
accordance with the applicable requirements of NFPA 10,
Standard for Portable Fire Extinguuhers.
6.5.14 All lire department powered rescue tools shall meet the
requirements of NFPA 1936, Standard on Powered Rescue Tools.
Chapter 7 Protective Clothing
and Protective Equipment
7.1 General.
7.1.1* The fire department shall provide each member with
protective clothing and protective equipment that is designed
to provide protection from the hazards to which the member
is likely to be exposed and is suitable for the tasks that the
member is expected to perform.
7.1.2* Protective clothing and protective equipment shall be
used whenever the member is exposed or potentially exposed
to the hazards for which it is provided.
7.1.3* Structural fire-fighting protective clothing shall be
cleaned at least every 6 months as specified in NFPA 1851,
Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural Fire
Fighting Protective Ensembles.
7.1.4* Cleaning processes for protective clothing ensembles
shall be as recommended by the protective clothing manufac-
tvirer for the types of contaminants and for the materials that
are to be cleaned.
7.1.5* Where station/work tmiforms are worn by members,
such station/work uniforms shall meet the requirements of
NFPA 1975, Standard on Station/Work Unifonns for Fire and Emer-
gency Services.
7.1.6 While on duty, members shall not wear any clothing
that is unsafe due to poor thermal stability.
7.1.7* The fire department shall provide for the cleaning of
protective clothing and station/work uniforms.
7.1.7.1 Such cleaning shall be performed either by a cleaning
service that is familiar with the proper procedures and equipped
to handle contaminated clothing or by a fire department facility
that is equipped to handle contaminated clodiing.
7.1.7.2 Wliere such cleaning is conducted in fire stations, the
fire department shall provide at least one washing machine for
this purpose in the designated cleaning area specified in
NFPA 1 58 1 , Standard on Fire Department Infection Control Program.
7.2 Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting.
7.2.1* Members who engage in or are exposed to the hazards
of structural fire fighting shall be provided with and shall use a
protective ensemble that shall meet the applicable require-
ments of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles fcrr Struc-
tural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.
7.2.2* The protective coat and the protective trousers shall
have at least a 2 in. (50 mm) overlap of all layers so there is no
gaping of the total thermal protection when the protective
garments are worn.
7.2.2.1 The minimum overlap shall be determined by mea-
suring the garments on the wearer, without SCBA, in both of
the following positions:
( 1 ) Position A — standing, hands together reaching overhead
as high as possible
(2) Position B — standing, hands together reaching over-
head, with body bent forward at a 90-degree angle, to the
side (either left or right), and to the back
7.2.3 Single-piece protective coveralls shall not be required
to have an overlap of all layers, provided there is continuous
composite protection.
7.2.4 Gloves.
7.2.4.1 Fire departments that provide protective coats with
protective resilient wri.stlets secured through a thumb open-
ing shall be permitted to provide gloves of the gauntlet type
for use with these protective coats.
7.2.4.2* Fire departments that do not provide such wristlets
attached to all protective coats shall provide gloves of the wrist-
let type or other interface component for use with these pro-
tective coats.
7.2.5 The fire department shall adopt and maintain a protec-
tive clothing and protective equipment program that ad-
dresses the selection, care, maintenance, and use of structural
fire-fighting protective ensembles, and training in its use.
7.2.5.1 The selection, care, and maintenance of protective
ensembles for structural fire Fighting shall be as specified in
NFPA 1851.
7.2.5.2 Specific responsibilities shall be assigned for inspec-
tion and maintenance.
7.2.6 The fire department shall require all members to wear
all the protective ensemble specific to the operation.
7.3 Protective Clothing for Proximity Fire-Fighting Operations.
7.3.1* Members whose primary responsibility is proximity fire-
fighting operations and members who participate in proxim-
ity fire-fighting training shall be provided with and shall use
proximity fire-fighting protective ensembles that are compli-
ant with NFPA 1971.
7.3.2 The proximity protective coat and proximity protective
trousers shall have at least a 2 in. (50 mm) overlap of all layers
so there is no gaping of the total thermal and radiant heat
protection when the protective garments are worn.
7.3.2.1 The minimum overlap shall be determined by mea-
suring the garments on the wearer, without SCBA, in both of
the following positions:
(1) Position A — standing, hands together reaching overhead
as high as possible
(2) Position B — standing, hands together reaching over-
head, with body bent forward at a 90-degree angle, to the
side (either left or right), and to the back
7.3.3 Single-piece proximity protective coveralls shall not be
required to have an overlap of all layers, provided there is
continuous full thermal and radiant heal protection.
7.3.4 Where SCBA is worn over or outside the proximity pro-
tective garment, the fire department shall inform the member
of the potential high levels of radiant heat that can resvdt in
the failure of the SCBA.
7.3.4.1 The fire department shall require additional ap-
proved radiant reflective criteria, including but not Umited to
a protective cover, for the expected proximity fire-fighting ex-
posures when the SCBA is worn over or outside the proximity
protective garment.
2007 Edition
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
1500-17
7.4* Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations.
7.4.1 Members who perform emergency medical care or are
othenvise likely to be exposed to blood or other body fluids shall
be provided with emergency medical garments, emergency
medical face protection devices, emergency medical examina-
tion gloves, emergency medical work gloves, and emergency
medical footwear or emei^ency medical footwear covere that are
compliant with NFPA 1999, Standard onPmteclive Clothing for Emer-
gency Medical Operations.
7.4.2* Members shall wear emergency medical examination
gloves when providing emergency medical care.
7.4.2.1 Patient care shall not be initiated before the gloves
are in place.
7.4.2.2 Emergency medical work gloves shall be permitted to
be used in place of emergency medical examinadon gloves in
situations involving physical hazards.
7.4.3* The fire department shall provide all fire fighters who
perform emergency medical care or are likely to be exposed to
airborne infectious disease with NIOSH-approved Type C res-
pirators certified to meet 42 CFR 84, Approval ofrespiratoty pro-
tective devices.
7.4.4 Each member shall use emergency medical garments and
emergency medical face protection devices prior to any patient
care duringwhich large splashes of body fluids can occur, such as
childbirth or situations involving spurting blood.
7.4.5 Contaminated emergency medical protective clothing
shall be cleaned and disinfected or disposed of as specified in
NFPA 1581.
7.4.5.1 Emergency medical examination gloves and emer-
gency medical footwear covers shall not be reused and shall be
disposed of after use.
7.4.5.2 Any item of emergency medical protective clothing
that is not designated for "multiple use" shall not be reused
and shall be dispo.sed of after use.
7.5* Chemical-Protective Clothing for Hazardous Materials
Emergency Operations.
7.5.1* Vapor-Protective Ensembles.
7.5.1.1 Members who engage in operations during hazard-
ous materials emergencies where there is the potential for ex-
posure to known chemicals in gaseous or vapor form diat pose
skin hazards, to chemicals that have not been identified, or to
chemical environments that are classified as immediately dan-
gerous to life or health (IDLH) shall be provided with and
shall use vapor-protective ensembles that meet the applicable
requirements of NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective En-
sembles fm~ Hazardous Materials Emergencies.
7.5.1.2 Prior to use of the ensemble, members who engage in
hazardous materials operations shall consult the technical
data package, manufacturers' instructions, and manufacturers'
recommendations as provided and required by NFPA 1991, to
ensure that the ensemble is designed to provide the member
protection for the .specific hitzardous materials emergency.
7.5.1.3 All members who engage in operations during haz-
ardous materials emergencies where there is potential for ex-
posure to known chemicals in gaseous or vapor form that pose
skin hazards, to chemicals that have not been identified, or to
chemical environments that are classified as IDLH shall be
provided with and shall use SCBA that meet the applicable
requirements of Section 7.11.
7.5.1.3.1 Additional outside air supplies shall be permitted to
be utilized in conjunction with SCBA, provided such systems
are positive pressure and have been certified by NIOSH under
42 CFR 84, Approval ofrespiratoiy protective devices.
7.5.1.4 Vapor-protective ensembles, certified to the 2005 edi-
tion of NFPA 1991, shall be permitted to be used for protec-
tion from chemical agents, biological agents, and radioactive
particulate encountered during terrorism incidents.
7.5.1.5 Where the risk a.ssessment shows that members will
also be exposed to liquefied gases, members shall be provided
with and shall use vapor-protective ensembles that meet the
additional optional requirements for liquefied gas protection
in NFPA 1991.
7.5.1.6 Where the risk assessment shows that members will
also be exposed to potential chemical flash fires, members
shall be provided with and shall use vapor-protective en-
sembles that meet the additional optional requirements for
chemical flash fire protection in NFPA 1991.
7.5.1.7* Vapor-protective ensembles shall not be used alone
for any fire-fighting applications or for protection from ioniz-
ing radiation, cryogenic liquid hazards, or explosive atmo-
spheres.
7.5.1.8 Vapor-protective ensembles shall be permitted to be
used for protection from liquid splashes or solid chemicals
and particulates.
7.5.2* Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing.
7.5.2.1 Members who engage in operations during hazard-
ous materials emergencies that will expose them to known
chemicals in liquid-splash form shall be provided with and
shall use liquid splash-protective ensembles or clothing that
meet the applicable requirements of NFPA 1992, Standard on
Liquid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for Hazardous Ma-
terials Emergencies.
7.5.2.2 Prior to use of the ensemble or clothing, members
who engage in hazardous materials operations shall consult
the technical data package, manufacturers' instructions, and
manufacturers' recommendations as provided and required
by NFPA 1992, to ensure that the ensemble or clothing is de-
signed to provide the member protection for the specific haz-
ardous chemical emergency.
7.5.2.3 All members who engage in operations during haz-
ardous materials emergencies that will expose them to known
chemicals in liquid-splash form shall be provided with and
shall use either SCBA that meet the applicable requirements
of 7.11.1, or other respiratory protective devices that are certi-
fied by NIOSH under 42 CFR 84 as suitable for the specific
chemical environment.
7.5.2.3.1 Additional outside air supplies shall be permitted to
be utilized in conjunction with SCBA, provided such systems
are positive pressure and have been certified by NIOSH under
42 CFR 84.
7.5.2.4 Liquid splash-protective ensembles or clothing shall
not be used for protection from chemicals in vapor form or
from unknown liquid chemicals or chemical mixtures.
7.5.2.4.1 Only vapor-protective ensembles specified in 7.5.1
and SCBA .specified in 7.11.1 shall be considered for use.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY i\ND HEALTH PROGRAM
7.5.2.5 Liquid splash-protective ensembles or clothing shall
not be used for protection from chemicals or specific chemi-
cal mixtures that have a vapor pressure greater than 5 mm Hg
at 77°F (25°C) and have known or suspected carcinogenicity
as indicated by one of the following documents:
( 1 ) Sax 's Dangerous Propmiks of Industrial Materials
(2) NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
7.5.2.6 Liquid splash-protective suits shall not be used for
protection from chemicals or specific chemical mixtures with
skin toxicity notations as indicated by the American Confer-
ence of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, TVLs® andBEIs®,
and that have a vapor pressure greater than 5 mm Hg at 77°F
(25°C).
7.5.2.7 Where the risk assessment shows that members will
also be exposed to potential chemical flash fires, members
shall be provided with and shall use liquid splash-protective
ensembles and clothing that meet the additional optional re-
quirements for chemical flash fire protection in NFPA 1992.
7.5.2.8* Liquid splash-protective suits shall not be used alone
for any fire-fighting applications or for protection from ioniz-
ing radiation, biological, liquefied gas or cryogenic liquid haz-
ards, or from flammable or explosive atmospheres, or from
hazardous chemical vapor atmospheres.
7.5.2.9 Liquid splash-protective suits shall be permitted to be
used for protection from solid chemicals and particulates.
7.5.3* Protective Ensembles for CBRN Terrorism Incidents.
7.5.3.1 Members who engage in assessment, extrication, res-
cue, triage, treatment decontamination, and support function
operations for incidents involving CBRN terrorism agents
shall be provided with the protective ensembles and protective
equipment specified in 7.5.3.3 through 7.5.3.6.
7.5.3.2* The approach to any potentially hazardous atmo-
sphere, including biological hazards, shall be made with a
plan that includes an assessment of the hazard and exposure
potential, respiratory protection needs, entry conditions, exit
routes, and decontamination strategies.
7.5.3.2.1 Before emergency response personnel are assigned
to operations involving CBRN terrorism agents, the incident
commander shall perform a risk assessment of the incident to
determine the type of protective ensembles and other protec-
tive equipment that is needed.
7.5.3.3 Where the risk assessment indicates one or more of
the following, all members who will be performing the opera-
tions shall be provided with and shall use at least ensembles
certified as compliant with NFPA 1991:
(1) There is an ongoing release of the agent with likely gas/
vapor exposure.
(2) The identity or concentration of the vapor or liquid agent
is unknown.
(3) Liquid contact is expected, and no direct skin contact can
be permitted.
(4) Exposure of members could be at levels that would result in
substantial possibility of immediate death, immediate seri-
ous incapacitittion, or a severely impaired ability to escape.
(5) Most victims in the area appear to be unconscious or dead.
(6) Members will be close to the point of release.
7.5.3.3.1 All members who engage in operations for inci-
dents involving CBRN terrorism agents and who are required
to wear vapor-protective ensembles that meet NFPA 1991 shaU
be provided with and shall use either of the following respira-
tory protection:
(1) SCBA that meet the applicable requirements of 7.11.1,
provided that the SCBA is fully encapsulated by the pro-
tective ensemble
(2) Open-circuit SCBA that are certified by NIOSH as compliant
with NIOSH Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and
Nuclear (CBRN) Open Circuit Self-Contained BreathmgApparatvs
(SCBA)
7.5.3.4 Where the risk assessment indicates one or more of
the following, all members who will be performing the opera-
tions for incidents involving CBRN terrorism agents shall be
provided with and shall use at least Class 2 ensembles certified
as compliant with NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Ensembles
for First Responders to CBliN Terrorism, incidents:
(1) Exposure is at IDLH conditions.
(2) The agent or threat has generally been identified.
(3) The actual release has subsided except for where the poten-
tial for direct contact with residual vapor or gas is probable.
(4) Surfaces at the emergency scene are highly contaminated.
(5) Victims in the area are symptomatic, not ambulatory, but
showing signs of movement.
7.5.3.4.1 All members who engage in operations for inci-
dents involving CBRN terrorism agents and who are required
to wear NFPA 1994 Class 2 ensembles shall use open-circuit
SCBA that are certified by NIOSH as compliant with NIOSH
Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear
(CBRN) Open Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
7.5.3.5 Where the risk assessment indicates one or more of
the following, all members who will be peiforming the opera-
tions for incidents involving CBRN terrorism agents shall be
provided with and shall use at least Class 3 ensembles certified
as compliant with NFPA 1994:
(1) Exposure is at levels below IDLH conditions.
(2) Exposure to liquids is expected to be incidental through
contact with contaminated surfaces or victims well after
the release has occurred.
(3) Victims are symptomatic but ambulatory.
7.5.3.5.1 All members who engage in operations for inci-
dents involving CBRN terrorism agents and who are required
to wear NFPA 1994 Class 3 ensembles shall use one of the
following types of respirators:
( 1 ) Open-circuit SCBA that are certified by NIOSH as compli-
ant with NIOSH Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiologi-
cal, and Nuclear (CBRN) Open Circuit Self-Contained Brecith-
ing Apparatus (SCBA)
(2) Air-purifying respirators (APRs) with a minimum rated
service life of at least 30 minutes that are certified by
NIOSH as compliant with NIOSH Standard for Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Full Facepiece Air
Purifying Respirator (AFR)
7.5,3.6* Where the risk assessment indicates the potential
presence of biological or radiological particulates only, all
members who will be performing the operations for incidents
involving CBRN terrorism agents shall be provided with and
shall use at least Class 4 ensembles certified as compliant with
NFPA 1994.
2007 Edition
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
1500-19
7.5.3.6.1 All members who engage in operations during
chemical and biological terrorism incidents and who are re-
qviired to wear NFPA 1994 Class 4 ensembles shall use one of
the following types of respirators:
( 1 ) Open-circuit SCBA that are certified by NIOSH as compli-
ant with NIOSH Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiologi-
cal, and Nuclear (CBRN) Open Circuit Self-Contained Breath-
ing Apparatus (SCBA)
(2) APR with a minimvnn rated service life of at least 30 min-
utes that are certified by NIOSH as compliant with
NIOSH Standard for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and
Nuclear (CBRN) F^ill Facepiece Air Purifying Respirator (APR)
7.5.3.7 Vapor-protective ensembles, certified as compliant
with NFPA 1991, that are used in operations involving any ex-
posure to CBRN terrorism agents, shall be decontaminated
following that use or shall be disposed of where decontamina-
tion will not stop the chemical or biological assault on the
ensemble and the protective qualities would be diminished or
nullified.
7.5.3.8 All NFPA 1994 Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 protective
ensembles and NFPA 1971 protective ensembles with the CBRN
option that are used in operations involving any exposure to
chemical or biological terrorism agents shall be disposed of fol-
lowing that use.
7.5.3.9 Disposal shall be in accordance with apphcable local,
state/provincial, and federal regulations.
7.5.3.10 All protective en.sembles that are to be used for inci-
dents involving CBRN terrorism agents shall be inspected and
maintained as required by the technical data package and the
manufacturer's instructions.
7.6 Inspection, Maintenance, and Disposal of Chemical-
Protective Clothing.
7.6.1 All chemical-protecdve clothing shall be inspected and
maintained as required by the technical data package, manufac-
turers' instructions, and manufacturers' recommendations.
7.6.2 All chemical-protective clothing that receives an exposure
to a chemical or a chemical mixture shall be disposed of if decon-
t£imination will not stop the chemical iissault on the garment and
the protective qualities will be diminished or nullified.
7.6.2.1 Disposal shall be in accordance with applicable state
or federal regulations.
7.7 Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire
Fighting.
7.7.1* The fire department shall establish standard operating
procedures for the use of wildland protective clothing and
equipment.
7.7.2 Members who engage in or are exposed to the hazards
of wildland fire-fighting operations shall be provided with and
use protective garments and protective equipment that meet
the requirements of NFPA 1977, Standard on Protective Clothing
and Ecpupmenl for Wildland Fire Fighting.
7.7.3* Members who engage in or are exposed to the hazards
of wildland fire-fighting operations shall be provided with a
fire shelter, in a crush-resistive case, and wear it in such a way
as to allow for rapid deployment.
7.7.4 Members who engage in or are exposed to the hazards of
wildland fire fighting shall be provided with and shall use pri-
mary eye protection that meets the requirements of NFPA 1977.
7.8 Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Operations.
7.8.1 Members of special teams whose primary function is
search, rescue, recoveiy, and site stabilization operations for
technical rescue incidents other than wilderness or water res-
cue incidents shall be provided with and shall use a protective
ensemble that is certified as compliant with NFPA 1951, Stan-
dard on Protective Ensemble for USAR Operations.
7.8.2 The protective coat and protective trousers shall have at
least a 2 in. (50 mm) overlap of all layers so there is no gaping
of the total thermal and barrier protection when the protec-
tive garments are worn.
7.8.2.1 The ininimum overlap shall be determined by mea-
suring the garments on the wearer, without respirator)' protec-
tion, in both of the following conditions:
(1) Position A — standing, hands together reaching overhead
as high as possible
(2) Position B — standing, hands together reaching over-
head, with the body bent forward at a 90-degree angle, to
the side (either left or right) , and to the back
7.8.2.2 Single-piece protective coveralls shall not be required
to have an overlap of all layers, provided there is continuous
composite protection.
7.8.3 Members engaged in technical rescue operations that
require respiratory protection shall be provided with and shall
use respirators that are certified by NIOSH to 42 CFR Part 84.
7.8.3.1* Where air-purifying respirators (APRs) and powered
air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are selected to provide the
respiratory protection, the APRs and PAPRs shall be provided
with the chemical or particulate filter elements that provide
protection against the specific contaminants based upon the
anticipated level of exposure risk associated with different re-
sponse situations.
7.8.3.2* Where it cannot be determined that an APR or PAPR
will provide effective protection against the contaminant, or if
the identity of the contaminant is not known, SCBA shall be
worn until it can be determined that other respiratory protec-
tion can be used.
7.8.3.3 Where SCBA are selected to provide the respiratory
protection, the SC-BA shall meet the applicable requirements
of 7.1 1.1.
7.8.4 Members who engage in or are exposed to the hazards
of search, rescue, recovery, and site stabilization for technical
rescue shall be provided with and shall use primary eye protec-
tion that meets the requirements of NFPA 1951.
7.8.5 Technical rescue protective clothing and protective
equipment shall be used and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions.
7.8.5.1 The fire department shall establish a maintenance
and inspection program for technical rescue protective cloth-
ing and equipment.
7.8.5.2 Proper decontamination procedures for all technical
rescue protective clothing and equipment shall be followed to
prevent contamination of the user or support personnel.
7.9 Respiratory Protection Program.
7.9.1 The fire department shall adopt and maintain a respi-
ratory protection program that addresses the selection, care,
maintenance, and use of respiratoty protection equipment
2007 Edition
1500-20
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
(RPE), medical surveillance, training in respirator use, and
the assurance of air quality.
7.9.1.1* The selection, care, and maintenance of open-circuit
SCBA shall be as specified in NFPA 1852, Standard on Selection,
Care, and Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Containecl Breathing Ap-
paratus (SCBA).
7.9.1.2 Training in respirator use shall include knowledge of
hazards, hazard assessment, selection of RPE based on hazard
exposure levels, fit testing of respirators, and respirator in-
spection.
7.9.2 The fire department shall develop and maintain standard
operating procedures that are compliant with this standard and
that address the use of respiratory protection.
7.9.3 Members shall be qualified at least annually in the use
of RPE that they are authorized to use.
7.9.4* Reserve SCBA shall be provided to maintain the re-
quired number in service when maintenance or repairs are
being conducted.
7.9.5 A reserve air supply shall be provided by use of reserve
cylinders or by an on-scene refill capability, or both.
7.9.6 RPE shall be stored in a ready-for-use condition and
shall be protected from damage or exposure to rough han-
dling, excessive heat or cold, moisture, or other elements.
7.9.7* When engaged in any operation where they could en-
counter atmospheres that are IDLH or potentially IDLH, or
where the atmosphere is unknown, the fire department shall
provide and require all members to use SCBA that has been
certified as being compliant with NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-
Circuit Setf-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Fire and Emergency
Services.
7.9.8* Members using SCBA shall not compromise the protec-
tive integrity of the SCBA for any reason when operating in
IDLH, potentially IDLH, or unknown atmospheres by remov-
ing the facepiece or disconnecting any portion of the SCBA
that would allow the ambient atmosphere to be breathed.
7.10 Breathing Air. Breathing air used to fill SCBA cylinders
shall meet the requirements specified in NFPA 1989, Standard
on Breathing Air Quality for Fire and Emergericy Services Respiratory
Protection.
7.11 Respiratory Protection Equipment.
7.11.1 SCBA.
7.11.1.1 All open-circuit SCBA that is purchased new shall be
certified as compliant with NFPA 1981 and shall also be certi-
fied by NIOSH as compliant with NIOSFI Standard for Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Open Circuit Self
Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
7.11.1.2* Open-circuit SCBAthat does not meet the 1992 or later
editions of NFPA 1981 shall be removed from fire service use.
7.11.1.3* Closed-circuit SCBA shall be permitted when long-
durafion SCBA is required.
7.11.1.4 Closed-circuit SCBA shall be NIOSH certified with a
minimum rated service life of at least 2 hours and shall oper-
ate in the positive-pressure mode only.
7.11.2 Supplied-Air Respirators.
7.11.2.1 Supplied-air respirator units used shall be of the type
and manufacture employed by the AHJ.
7.11.2.2 Supplied-air respirators other than SCBA shall not be
used in IDLH atmo.spheres unless equipped with a NIOSH-
certified emergency escape air cylinder and a pressure-demand
facepiece.
7.11.2.3 Supplied-air respirators, Type C Pressure-Demand
Class, shall not be used in IDLH atmo.spheres unless they meet
manufacturers' specificafions for that purpose.
7.11.3 FuU Facepiece Air-Purifying Respirators.
7.11.3.1 Full facepiece air-purifying respirators (APRs) shall
be used only in non-IDLH atmospheres for those contami-
nants that NIOSH certifies them against.
7.11.3.2 The AHJ shall provide NIOSH-cerfified respirators
that protect the user and ensure compliance with all other
OSHA requirements.
7.11.3.3* The AHJ shall establish a policy to ensure canisters
and cartridges are changed before the end of their service life.
7.12 Fit Testing.
7.12.1* The facepiece seal capability of each member quali-
fied to use RPE shall be verified by quantitative fit testing on
an annual basis and whenever new types of RPE or facepieces
are issued.
7.12.2 The fit of the RPE of each new member shall be tested
before the members are permitted to use RPE in a hazardous
atmosphere.
7.12.2.1 Only members with a properly fitting facepiece shall
be permitted by the fire department to fimction in a hazard-
ous atmosphere with RPE.
7.12.3 Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respi-
rators and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators shall
be accomplished by performing quantitative fit testing in the
negative-pressure mode, regardless of the mode of operation
(negative or positive pressure) that is used for respiratoi7 pro-
tection.
7.12.4* Quantitative test protocols shall be conducted as re-
quired by the AHJ.
7.12.5 Records of facepiece fitting tests shall include at least
the following information:
(1) Name of the member tested
(2) Type of fitting test performed
(.3) Specific make and model of facepieces tested
(4) Pass/fail results of the tests
7.12.6* For departments that perform quantitative fitting
tests, the protection factor produced shall be at least 500 for
negative-pressure facepieces for the person to pass the fitting
test with that make of full facepiece.
7.13 Using Respiratory Protection.
7.13.1 Respirators shall not be worn when a member has any
conditions that prevent a good face .seal
7.13.2 Nothing shall be allowed to enter or pass through the
area where the respiratory protection facepiece is designed to
seal with the face, regardless of the specific fitting test mea-
surement that can be obtained.
\Msi 2007 Edition
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
1500-21
7.13.3* Members who have a beard or facial hair at any point
where the facepiece is designed to seal with the face or whose
hair could interfere with the operation of the unit shall not be
permitted to use respiratoiy protection at emergency inci-
dents or in hazardous or potentially hazardous atmospheres.
7.13.3.1 These restrictions shall apply regardless of die spe-
cific fitdng test measurement that can be obtained under test
conditions.
7.13.4 When a member must wear spectacles while using full
facepiece respiratory protection, the facepiece shall be fitted
with spectacles in such a manner that they shall not interfere
with the facepiece-to-face seal.
7.13.5 Spectacles with any strap or temple bars that pass
through the facepiece-to-face seal area shall be prohibited.
7.13.6* Use of contact lenses shall be permitted during full face-
piece respiratory protection use, pro\ided that the member has
previously demonstrated successful long-term contact lens use.
7.13.7 Any head covering that passes between the sealing sur-
face of the respiratory protection facepiece and the member's
face shall be prohibited.
7.13.8 The respiratory protection facepiece and head har-
ness with straps shall be worn under the protective hoods.
7.13.9 The respiratory protection facepiece and head har-
ness with straps shall be worn under the head protection of
any hazardous chemical-protective clothing.
7.13.10 Helmets shall not interfere with the respiratory pro-
tection facepiece-to-face seal.
7.14 SCBA Cylinders.
7.14.1* SCBAcyhnders made of aluminum alloy 6351-T6 shall
be inspected annually, both externally and internally, by a
qualified person.
7.14.2 SCBA cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested as re-
quired by the manufacturers and applicable governmental
agencies.
7.14.3 In-service SCBA cylinders shall be stored fully charged.
7.14.4 In-service SCBA cylinders shall be inspected weekly,
monthly, and prior to filling, according to NIOSH requirements,
CGA standards, and manufacturers' recommendations.
7.14.5* During filling of SCBA cylinders, all personnel and
operators shall be protected from catastrophic failure of the
cylinder.
7.14.6* Fire departments utilizing rapid filhng of SCBAcyhn-
ders shall identify those unique emergency sittiations where
rapid filling shah be permitted to occur.
7.14.7 The fire department risk assessment process shall in-
corporate standard operating procedures to identify those
situations in 7.14.6.
7.14.8 Rapid refilling of SCBA while being worn by the user
shall only be used uncler the following conditions:
(1) NlOSH-approved fill options are used.
(2) The risk a.s,sessment process has identified procedures for
limiting personnel exposure during the refill process and
has provided for adequate equipment inspection and
member safety.
(3) An imminent life-threatening situation occurs that requires
immediate action to prevent the loss of life or serious injury.
7.14.9 In an emergency situation where an individual be-
comes disoriented, runs low on air, is trapped or injured and
cannot be moved to a safe atmosphere, and danger of serious
injuiy or death is likely, rapid fill, air transfer, or a supplied-air
sc5urce shall be an approved method to provide a source of
breathing air.
7.14.10 If a .supplied source is not immediately avaihible,
transfilling of cylinders shall be done in accordance with the
manufacturers' instructions.
7.15 Personal Alert Safety System (PASS).
7.15.1* PASS devices shall meet the requirements of NFPA 1982,
Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS).
7.15.2* Each member shall be provided with, use, and acti-
vate his or her PASS devices in all emergency situations that
could jeopardize that person's safety due to atmospheres that
could be IDLH, in incidents that could result in entrapment,
in structural collapse of any type, or as directed by the incident
commander or incident safety officer.
7.15.3 Each PASS device shall be tested at least weekly and
prior to each use and shall be maintained in accordance with
the manufacturers' instructions.
The text of Section 7. 1 5 and its Annex A paragraphs has
been revised by a tentative interim amendment (TIA).
See page 1.
7.16 Life Safety Rope and System Components.
7.16.1 All life safety ropes, harnesses, and hardware used by
fire departments shall meet the applicable requirements of
NFPA 1983, Standard an Life Safely Rope and Equipment fur Emer-
geniy Services.
7.16.2 Rope used to support the weight of members or other
persons during rescue, fire fighting, other emergency opera-
tions, or training evolutions shall be life safety rope and shall
meet the requirements of NFPA 1983.
7.16.2.1 Life safety rope used for any other purpose shall be
removed from service and destroyed.
7.16.3* Life safety rope used for rescue at fires or other emer-
gency incidents or for training shall be permitted to be reused
if inspected before and after each such use in accordance with
the manufacturers' instructions and provided that the follow-
ing criteria are met:
(1) The rope has not been visually damaged by exposure to
heat, direct flame impingement, chemical exposure, or
abrasion.
(2) The rope has not been subjected to any impact load.
(3) The rope has not been exposed to chemical liquids, sol-
ids, gases, mists, or vapors of any material known to dete-
riorate rope.
7.16.3.1 If the rope used for rescue at fires or other emer-
gency incidents or for training does not meet the criteria set
forth in 7.16.3(1), 7.16.3(2), or 7.16.3(3) or fails the visual
inspection, it shall be destroyed.
7.16.3.2 If there is any question regarding the serviceability
of the rope after consideration of the criteria listed in 7.1 6.3,
the rope shall be taken out of ser\'ice.
2007 Edition
1500-22
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGR/VM
7.16.4 Rope inspection shall be conducted by qualified in-
spectors in accordance with rope inspection procedures estab-
lished and recommended by the rope manufacturer to assure
rope is appropriate for reuse.
7.16.5 Records shall be maintained to document the use of
each life safety rope used at fires and other emergency inci-
dents or for training.
7.17 Face and Eye Protection.
7.17.1 Primary eye protection appropriate for a given specific
hazard shall be provided for and used by members exposed to
that specific hazard.
7.17.1.1* Primary eye protection shall meet the requirements
of ANSI Z87.1, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and
Face Protection.
7.17.1.2 Face protection shall be in addition to primary eye
protection unless SCBA is being used.
7.17.1.3 The helmet faceshield alone shall not be considered
and shall not be used as primary eye protection.
7.17.2 The full facepiece of SCBA shall constitute face and
eye protection when worn.
7.17.2.1 SCBA that has a facepiece-mounted regulator that
when disconnected provides a direct path for flying objects to
strike the face or eyes shall have the regulator attached in
order to be considered face and eye protection.
7.17.3 When operating in the hazardous area at an emer-
gency scene without the full facepiece of respiratory protec-
tion being worn, members shall wear primary eye protection
that is designed to protect the member's eyes from the ex-
pected hazards.
7.18 Hearing Protection.
7.18.1* Hearing protection shall be provided for and used by
all members operating or riding on fire apparatus when sub-
ject to noise in excess of 90 dBA.
7.18.2* Hearing protection shall be provided for and used by
all members when exposed to noise in excess of 90 dBA caused
by power tools or equipment, other than in situations where
the use of such protective equipment would create an addi-
tional hazard to the user.
7.18.3* The fire department shall engage in a hearing conser-
vation program to idenufy and reduce or eliminate potentially
harmful sources of noise in the work environment.
7.19 New and Existing Protective Clothing and Protective
Equipment.
7.19.1 All new protective clothing and protective equipment
shall meet the requirements of the current edition of the re-
spective NFPA standard for that protective clothing or protec-
tive equipment.
7.19.2 Existing protective clothing and protective equipment
shall have been in compliance with the edition of the respec-
tive NFPA standard that was cuirent when the protective cloth-
ing or protective equipment was manufactured.
7.19.3 Members' PPE shall be taken out of service after 15 years
from date of manufacture, regardless of testing or inspection
procedures.
Chapter 8 Emergency Operations
8.1 Incident Management.
8.1.1* Emergency operations and other situations that pose
similar hazards, including but not limited to training exer-
cises, shall be conducted in a manner that recognizes hazards
and prevents accidents and injuries.
8.1.2 An incident management system that meets the re-
quirements of NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Sewices Inci-
dent Management System, shall be established with written stan-
dard operating procedures applying to all members involved
in emergency operations.
8.1.3 The incident management system shall be utilized at all
emergency incidents.
8.1.4 The incident management system shall be applied to
drills, exercises, and other situations that involve hazards simi-
lar to those encountered at actual emergency incidents and to
simulated incidents that are conducted for training and famil-
iarization purposes.
8.1.5* At an emergency incident, the incident commander
shall be respon.sible for the overall management of the inci-
dent and the safety of all members involved at the scene.
8.1.6 As incidents escalate in size and complexity, the inci-
dent commander shall divide the incident into tactical-level
management components and assign an incident safety officer
to assess the incident scene for hazards or potential hazards.
8.1.7* At an emergency incident, the incident commander
shall establish an organization with sufficient supei-visory per-
sonnel to control the position and function of all members
operating at the scene and to ensure that safety requirements
are satisfied.
8.1.8* At an emergency incident, the incident commander
shall have the responsibility for the following:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
Arrive on-scene before assuming command
Assume and confirm command of an incident and take
an effective command position
Perform situation evaluation that includes risk assessment
Initiate, maintain, and control incident communications
Develop an overall strategy and an incident action plan
and assign companies and members consistent with the
standard operating procedures
Initiate an accountability and inventory worksheet
Develop an effective incident organization by managing
resources, maintaining an effective span of control, and
maintaining direct supervision over the entire incident,
and designate supervisors in charge of specific areas or
functions
Review, evaluate, and revise the incident action plan as
required
Continue, transfer, and terminate command
On incidents under the command authority of the fire
department, provide for liaison and coordination with
all other cooperating agencies
On incidents where other agencies have jurisdiction,
implement a plan that designates one incident com-
mander or that provides for unified command
8.1.8.1 Interagency coordination shall meet the require-
ments of NFPA 1561.
2007 Edition
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
1500-23
8.2 Communications.
8.2.1 The fire department shall establish and ensure the
maintenance of a fire dispatch and incident communications
system that meets the requirements of NFPA 1561 and
NFPA1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of
Emergency Services Communications Systems.
8.2.2* The fire department standard operating procedures
shall provide direction in the use of clear text radio messages
for emergency incidents.
8.2.2.1 The standard operating procedures shall use "emer-
gency traffic" as a designator to clear the radio traffic.
8.2.2.2 This "emergency traffic" shall be permitted to be de-
clared by the incident commander, tactical level management
component supervisor, or member in trouble or subjected to
emergency conditions.
8.2.3* When a member has declared "emergency traffic," that
person shall use clear text to identify the type of emergency,
change in conditions, or tactical operations.
8.2.3.1 The member who has declared the "emergency traf-
fic" shall conclude the "emergency tralFic" message by trans-
mitting "all clear, resume radio traffic" to end the emergency
situation or to re-open the radio channels to communication
after announcing the emergency message.
8.2.4* The fire department communications center shall start an
incident clock when the first arriving unit is on-scene of a work-
ing structure fire or hazardous materials incident, or when other
conditions appear to be time sensitive or dangerous.
8.2.4.1* The dispatch center shall notify the incident com-
mander at every 10-minute increment with the time that re-
sources have been on the incident until the fire is knocked
down or the incident becomes static.
8.2.4.2 The incident commander shall be permitted to cancel
the incident clock notification through the fire department com-
munications center based on the incident conditions.
8.3 Risk Management During Emei^ency Operations.
8.3.1* The incident commander shall integrate risk manage-
ment into the regular functions of incident command.
8.3.2* The concept of risk management shall be utilized on
the basis of the following principles:
(1) Activities that present a significant risk to the safety of
members shall be limited to situations where there is a
potential tr^ save endangered lives.
(2) Activities that are routinely employed to protect property
shall be recognized as inherent risks to the safety of mem-
bers, and actions shall be taken to reduce or avoid these
risks.
(3) No risk to the .safety of members shall be acceptable when
there is no possibility to save lives or property.
(4) In situations where the risk to fire department members is
excessive, activities shall be limited to defensive operations.
8.3.3* The incident commander shall evaluate the risk to
members with respect to the purpose and potential results of
their actions in each situation.
8.3.4 Risk management principles shall be routinely employed
by supervisory personnel at all levels of the incident management
system to define the limits of acceptable and vmacceptable posi-
tions and functions for all members at the incident scene.
i
8.3.5* At significant incidents and .special operations inci-
dents, the incident commander shall assign an incident safety
officer who has the expertise to evaluate hazards and provide
direction with respect to the overall safety of personnel.
8.3.6 At terrorist incidents or other incidents involving po-
tential CBRN exposure, the incident commander shall assess
the risk to members and ensure that protective equipment
appropriate for the risk is available for and used by members.
8.3.7* Because of the possibility of members being expo.sed to
nerve agents during terrorist activities, fire departments shall
consider providing atropine auto-injectors for members.
8.4 Personnel Accoimtability Dming Emergency Operations.
8.4.1* The fire department shall establish written standard
operating procedures for a personnel accountability system
that is in accordance with NFPA 1561.
8.4.2 The fire department shall consider local conditions and
characteristics in establi.shing the requirements of the person-
nel accountability system.
8.4.3 It shall be the responsibility of all members operating at
an emergency incident to actively participate in the personnel
accountability system.
8.4.4 The incident commander shall maintain an awareness
of the location and function of all companies or crews at the
scene of the incident.
8.4.5 Officers assigned the responsibility for a specific tactical
level management component at an incident shall directly su-
pervise and account for the companies and/or crews operat-
ing in their specific area of responsibility.
8.4.6 Company officers shall maintain an ongoing awareness
of the location and condition of all company members.
8.4.7 Where assigned as a company, members shall be re-
spon.sible to remain under the supervision of their assigned
company officer.
8.4.8 Members shall be responsible for following personnel
accountability system procedures.
8.4.9 The personnel accountability system shall be used at all
incidents.
8.4.10* The fire department shall develop, implement, and
utilize the system components required to make the person-
nel accountability system effective.
8.4.11* The standard operating procedures shall provide the
use of additional accountabihty oflicers based on the size,
complexity, or needs of the incident.
8.4.12 The incident commander and members who are as-
signed a supervisory responsibility for a tactical level manage-
ment component that involves multiple companies or crews
under their command shall have assigned a member(s) to fa-
cilitate the ongoing tracking and accountability of assigned
companies and crews.
8.5 Members Operating at Emergency Incidents.
8.5.1 The fire department shall provide an adequate number
of personnel to safely conduct emergency scene operations.
8.5.1.1* Operations shall be limited to those that can be safely
performed by the personnel available at the scene.
2007 Edition
1500-24
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFE lY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
8.5.2 No member or members shall commence or perform
any fire-fighting function or evolution that is not within the
established safety criteria of the organizational statement as
specified in 4.1.1.
8.5.3 When inexperienced members are working at an inci-
dent, direct supervision shall be provided by more experi-
enced officers or members.
8.5.3.1 The requirement of 8.5.3 shall not reduce the train-
ing requirements contained in 5.1.3 and 5.1.4.
8.5.4* Members operating in hazardous areas at emergency
incidents shall operate in crews of two or more.
8.5.5 Crew members operating in hazardous areas shall be in
communication with each other through visual, t^udible, or
physical means or safety guide rope, in order to coordinate
their activities.
8.5.6 Crew members shall be in proximity to each other to
provide assistance in case of emergency.
8.5.7* In the initial stages of an incident where only one crew
is operating in the hazardous area at a working structural fire,
a minimum of four individuals shall be required, consisdng of
two individuals working as a crew in the hazardous area and
two individuals present outside this hazardous area available
for assistance or rescue at emergency operations where entry
into the danger area is required.
8.5.8 The standby members shall be responsible for main-
taining a constant awareness of the number and identity of
members operating in the hazardous area, their location and
function, and time of entry,
8.5.9 The standby members shall remain in radio, visual,
voice, or signal line communication with the crew.
8.5.10 The "initial stages" of an incident shall encompass the
tasks undertaken by the first arriving company with only one
crew assigned or operating in the hazardous area.
8.5.11* One standby member shall be permitted to perform
other duties outside of the hazardous area, such as apparatus
operator, incident commander, or technician or aide, pro-
vided constant communication is maintained between the
standby member and the members of the crew.
8.5.12 The assignment of any personnel, including the inci-
dent commander, the safety officer, or operators of fire appa-
ratus, shall not be permitted as standby personnel if by aban-
doning their critical task(s) to assist or, if necessary, perform
rescue, they clearly jeopardize the safety and health of any fire
fighter working at the incident.
8.5.12.1 No one shall be permitted to serve as a standby mem-
ber of the fire-fighting crew when the other activities in which
the fire fighter is engaged inhibit the fire fighter's ability to
a.ssist in or perform rescue, if necessary, or are of such impor-
tance that they cantiot be abandoned without placing other
fire fighters in danger.
8.5.13 The standby member shall be provided with full pro-
tective clothing, protective equipment, and SCBA appropriate
for the risk that might be encountered.
8.5.13.1 The full protective clothing, protective equipment,
and SCBA shall be immediately accessible for use by the out-
side crew if the need for rescue activities inside the hazardous
area occurs.
8.5.14 The standby members shall don full protective cloth-
ing, protective equipment, and SCBA prior to entering the
hazardous area.
8.5.15 When only a single crew is operating in the hazardous
area in the initial stages of the incident, this standby member
shall be permitted to assist with, or if necessary perfbnn, rescue
for members of his/her crew, provided that abandoning his/her
task does not jeopardize the safety or health of the crew.
8.5.16 Once a second crew is assigned or operating in the haz-
ardous area, the incident shall no longer be considered in the
"initial stage," and at least one rapid intervention crew shall be
deployed that complies with the requirements of 8.8.2.
8.5.17 Initial attack operations shall be organized to ensure
that if, on arrival at the emergency scene, initial attack person-
nel find an imminent life-threatening situation where imme-
diate action could prevent the loss of life or serious injury,
such action shall be permitted with less than four personnel
when conducted in accordance with 8.5.7.
8.5.17.1 No exception as permitted in 8.5.17 shall be allowed
when there is no possibility to save lives.
8.5.17.2 Any such actions taken in accordance with 8.5.17
shall be thoroughly investigated by the fire department with a
written report submitted to the fire chief
8.5.18* At aircraft rescue fire-fighting incidents, the initial
IDLH shall be identified as the area within 75 ft (23 m) of the
skin of the aircraft.
8.5.18.1 After size-up, the incident commander shall adjust
the IDLH designation as the situation dictates, to meet opera-
tional needs.
8.5.18.2 Aircraft rescue fire-fighting operations inside the
area identified as the IDLH shall be in accordance with 8.5.4.
8.5.19* When members are performing special operations,
the highest available level of emergency medical care shall be
standing by at the .scene with medical equipment and trans-
portation capabilities. Basic life support (BLS) shall be the
minimum level of emergency medical care.
8.5.20 Emergency medical care and medical monitoring at
hazardous materials incidents shall be provided by or super-
vised by personnel who meet the minimum requirements of
NFPA 47.3, Standard Jot Competencies for EMS Personnel Respond-
ing to Hazardous Materials Incidents.
8.5.21 At all other emergency operations, the incident com-
mander shall evaluate the ri.sk to the members operating at
the scene and, if necessary, request that at least BLS personnel
and patient transportation be available.
8.5.22 When members are operating from aerial devices,
they shall be secured to the aerial device with a system in com-
pliance with NFPA 1983, Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equip-
ment for Emergency Seruices.
8.5.23 The incident commander shall en.sure fire investiga-
tors or other members that enter an IDLH atmosphere or
hazardous area use the PPE, SCBA, or both, as appropriate for
risks that might be encountered.
8.5.24* Members involved in water rescue shall be issued and
wear personal flotation devices that meet U.S. Coast Guard
requirements.
[i]
2007 Edition
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
1500-25
8.6 Control Zones.
8.6. 1 Control zones shall be established at emergency incidents.
8.6.1.1 The perimeters of the control zones shall be designated
by the incident commander and communicated to all members.
8.6.1.2 If the perimeters of the control zones change during
the course of the incident, these changes shall be communi-
cated to all members on the scene.
8.6.2* Hazard control zones shall be designated as hot, warm,
and cold.
8.6.2.1 All members shall wear all of the PPE (SCBA, flash
hood, etc.) appropriate for the risks that might be encoun-
tered while in the hot zone.
8.6.2.2* All members operating within the hot zone shall have
an assigned task.
8.6.2.3 Where an exclusion zone is designated, no personnel
shall enter the exclusion zone due to imminent hazard(s) or
the need to protect evidence.
8.7* Traffic Incidents.
8.7.1 When members are operating at an emergency inci-
dent and their assignment places them in potential conflict
with motor vehicle traffic, all efforts shall be made to protect
the members.
8.7.2 Each department shall establish, implement, and en-
force standard operating procedures regarding emergency
operations for traffic incidents.
8.7.3 Apparatus and warning devices shall be placed to take
advantage of topography and weather conditions (uphill/
upwind) and to protect lire fighters from traffic.
8.7.4 Fire apparatus shall be positioned in a blocking posi-
tion, so if it is struck it will protect members and other persons
at the incident scene.
8.7.4.1 Wlien acting as a .shield, apparatus warning lights
shall remain on, if appropriate.
8.7.4.2 All additional responding vehicles, when arriving on
the scene, shall position beyond the traffic barrier unle.ss their
function requires placement before the barrier.
8.7.5* One or more of the following warning devices shall be
used to warn oncoming traffic of the emergency operations
and the hazards to members operating at the incident:
(1) Fluorescent and retro-reflective warning devices such as
traffic cones
(2) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)-approved48in.
by 48 in. retro-reflective signs stating "Emergency Scene
Ahead" (with directional arrow overlay)
(3) Illuminated warning devices such as highway flares
(4) Other warning devices appropriate to warn oncoming
traiflc of the emergency operations
8.7.6 Warning devices shall be placed and utilized with
proper considerations given to visual obstruction such as hills,
cun'es, blind spots, or unusual localized weather conditions
such as fog or rain.
8.7.7 The first arriving unit shall ensure that traffic is con-
trolled before addressing the emergency operations.
8.7.8 Members shall position themselves and any victims in a
secure area.
8.7.9 Members shall park or stage unneeded fire apparatus
and personal vehicles off the roadway whenever possible.
8.7.10* When members are operating at a traffic incident and
their assignment places them in potential conflict with motor
vehicle traffic, they shall wear a garment with fluorescent and
retro-reflective material visible from all directions.
8.7.11* Members used for traffic control purposes shall receive
training that is commensurate with their duties and in accor-
dance with any applicable state and local laws and regulations.
8.8 Rapid Intervention for Rescue of Members.
8.8.1 The fire department shall provide personnel for the
rescue of members operating at emergency incidents.
8.8.2 A rapid intervention crew/company (RIC) shall consist
of at least two members and shall be available for rescue of a
member or a crew.
8.8.2.1 Each RIC shall be fully equipped with protective
clothing, protective equipment, SCBA, and any specialized
rescue equipment that could be needed given the specifics of
the operation under way.
8.8.2.2 The RICs at an incident where any SCBA being used are
equipped with a RIC universal air connection (UAC) shall have
the .speciaUzed rescue equipment including a fully charged
breathing air cylinder with a NIOSH<ertified rated service time
of at least 30 minutes and compatible pressure and capacity with
the SCBA being used at the incident, or a high-pressure air line of
sufficient length to reach the location of the entrapped or
downed fire fighter(s) and supplied by a pressurized breathing
air source that can provide at least 3.5 ft' (100 L) of air per
minute at the RIC UAC female fitting and at a pressure compat-
ible with the SCBA being used at the incident.
8.8.2.3 Both the breathing air cylinder and the high-pressure
air line described in 8.8.2.2 shall be equipped with a RIC UAC
filling hose assembly equipped with a RIC UAC female fitting.
8.8.2.4 The RIC UAC filling hose assembly shall meet the
requirements specified in 6.4.7 of NFPA 1981, Standard on
Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Fire and Emer-
gency Services.
8.8.2.5 The RIC UAC female fitting shall meet the require-
ments specified in 6.4.6 of NFPA 1981.
8.8.2.6 The RIC UAC female fitting shall mate with the RIC
UAC male fitting to form a RIC UAC coupling that meets the
requirements specified in 6.4.8 of NFPA 1981.
8.8.3 The composition and structure of a RIC shall be permit-
ted to be flexible based on the type of incident and the size
and complexity of operations.
8.8.4* The incident commander shall evaluate the situation
and the risks to operating crews and shall provide one or more
RICs commensurate with the needs of the situation.
8.8.5 In the early stages of an incident, which includes the
deployment of a fire department's initial attack assignment,
the RIC shall be in compliance with 8.5.1 1 and 8.5.12 and be
eitlier one of the following:
(1) On-scene members designated and dedicated as a RIC
(2) On-scene members performing other functions but ready
to re-deploy to perform RIC functions
8.8.5.1 The assignment of any personnel shall not be permit-
ted as members of the RIC if abandoning their critical task(s)
2007 Edition
1500-26
FIliE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGR.\M
to perf'oim rescue clearly jeopardizes the safety and health of
any member operating at the incident.
8.8.6 As the incident expands in size or complexity, which
includes an incident commander's requests for additional
resources beyond a fire department's initial attack assign-
ment, the dedicated RIG shall on arrival of these additional
resources be either one of the following:
(1) On-scene members designated and dedicated as RIG
(2) On-scene crew/company or crews/companies located for
rapid deployment and dedicated as RIGs
8.8.6.1 During fire fighter rescue operations each crew/
company shall remain intact.
8.8.7 At least one dedicated RIG shall be standing by with
equipment to provide for the rescue of members that are per-
forming special operadons or for members that are in posi-
dons that present an immediate danger of injtxry in the event
of equipment failure or collapse.
8.9 RehabUitation During Emergency Operations.
8.9.1* The fire department shall develop standard operating
procedures that oudine a systematic approach for the rehabili-
tation of members operating at incidents.
8.9.2* The incident commander shall consider the circum-
stances of each incident and initiate rehabilitation in accor-
dance with the standard operating procedures and with
NFPA1561.
8.9.3* Such on-scene rehabilitiition shall include at least rest,
hydration, active cooling where required, basic life support care,
food where required, and protection from extreme elements.
8.9.4 Each member operating at an incident shall be respon-
sible to communicate rehabilitation needs to their supeivisor.
8.9.5* Each member who engages in wildland fire-fighting
operations shall be provided with 2 qt (2 L) of water.
8.9.5.1 Aprocess shall be established for the rapid replenish-
ment of water supplies.
8.10 Scenes of Violence, Civil Unrest, or Terrorism.
8.10.1* Fire department members shall not become involved
in any activities at the scene of domestic disturbance, civil un-
rest, or similar situations where there is ongoing violence,
without the confirmed presence of law enforcement person-
nel who have deemed the scene secure.
8.10.2 Under no circumstances shall fire department equip-
ment or personnel be used for crowd control or dispersement
purposes.
8.10.3* The fire department shall develop and maintain
written standard operating procedures that establish a stan-
dardized approach to the safety of members at incidents
that involve violence, unrest, or civil disturbance.
8.10.4 The fire department shall be responsible for develop-
ing an interagency agreement with its law enforcement agency
counterpart to provide protection for fire department mem-
bers at situations that involve violence.
8.10.5* The fire department shall develop a standard commu-
nication method that indicates that an incident crew is faced
with a life-and-death situation requiring immediate law en-
forcement intei^ention.
8.10.6 Such violent situations shall be considered essentially a
law enforcement event, and the fire department shall coordinate
with the law enforcement incident commander throughout the
incident.
8.10.7 The fire department incident commander shall identify
and react to situations that do involve or are likely to involve
violence.
8.10.8 fit .such violent situations, the fire department inci-
dent commander shall communicate directly with the law en-
forcement incident commander to ensure the .safety of fire
department members.
8.10.9 In such violent situations, the fire department incident
commander- shall stage all fire department resources in a safe
area until the law enforcement agency has secured the scene.
8.10.10 When violence occurs after emergency operations
have been initiated, the fire department incident commander
shall either secure immediate law enforcement agency protec-
tion or shall withdraw all fire department members to a safe
staging area.
8.10.11 At civil disturbances or similar incidents where pro-
tective equipment generally considered as law enforcement-
related, such as body armor, shall be utilized only by members
who are trained and qualified to use such equipment.
8.10.12 Fire department companies or crews that provide
support to law enforcement agency special weapons and tac-
tics (SWAT) operations shall receive special training.
8.10.12.1 Special standard operating procedures shall be
developed that describe the training and safety of these fire
department crews for such operations.
8.10.12.2 These activities shall be considered as special op-
erations for the purpose of this standard.
8.11 Post-Incident Analysis.
8.11.1 The fire department shall establish requirements and
standard operating procedures for a standardized post-incident
analysis of significant incidents or those that involve serious in-
jury or death to a fire lighter.
8.11.2 The fire department incident safety officer shall be
involved in the post-incident analysis as defined in NFR\ 1521,
Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer.
8.11.3 The analysis shall conduct a basic review of the condi-
tions present, the actions taken, and the effect of the condi-
tions and actions on the safety and health of members.
8.11.4 The analysis shall identify any action necessary to
change or update any safety and health program elements to
improve the welfare of members.
8.11.5 The analysis process shall include a standardized ac-
tion plan for such necessary changes.
8.11.5.1 The action plan shall include the change needed
and the responsibilities, dates, and details of such actions.
Chapter 9 Facility Safety
9.1 Safety Standards.
9.1.1* All fire department facilities shall comply with all legally
applicable health, safety, building, and fire code requiremeriLs.
E9
NFIW
2007 Edition
MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
1500-27
9.1.2 Fire departments shall provide facilities for disinfect-
ing, cleaning, and storage in accordance with NFPA 1581,
Standard on Fire Departrmnt Infeciion Control. Program.
9.1.3 All existing and new fire stations shall be provided with
smoke detectors in work, sleeping, and general storage areas.
9.1.3.1 When activated, these detectors shall sound an alarm
throughout the fire station.
9.1.4* All existing and new fire department facilities shall have
carbon monoxide detectors installed in locittions in sleeping
and living areas, such that any source of carbon monoxide
would be detected before endangering the members.
9.1.5* All fire stations and fire department facilities shall com-
ply with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
9.1.6* The fire departnrent shall prevent exposure to fire
fighters and contamination of living and sleeping areas to ex-
haust emissions.
9. 1 .7 Any components of the protective ensemble that are con-
taminated shall not be allowed in sleeping and living areas.
9.1.8 All fire department facilifies shall be designated smoke
free.
9.1.9* Stations utihzing poles to provide rapid access to lower
floors shall ensure that the area around the pole hole is .se-
cured by means of a cover, enclosure, or other means to pre-
vent someone from accidentally falling through the pole hole.
9.2 Inspections.
9.2.1 All fire department facilities shall be in.spected at
least annually to provide for compliance with Section 9.1.
(See Annex G.)
9.2.2 Inspections shall be documented and recorded.
9.2.3 All fire department facilities shall be inspected at least
monthly to identify and provide correction of any safety or
health hazards.
9.3* Maintenance and Repairs. The fire department shall
have an established system to maintain all facilities and to
provide prompt correction of any safety or health hazard or
code violation.
Chapter 10 Medical and Physical Requirements
10.1 Medical Requirements.
10.1.1 Candidates shall be medically evaluated and qualified
for duty by the fire department physician.
10.1.2 ^4edical evaluafions shall take into account the risks
and the fimctions associated with the individual's duties and
responsibilities.
10.1.3 Candidates and members who will engage in fire sup-
pression shall meet the medical requirements specified in
NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensix)e Occupational Medical Pro-
gram for Fire Departments.
10.1.4 Fire departments that operate their own fixed wing or
rotary aircraft shall require fire department pilots who perform
fire-fighting operations from the air to maintain a commercial
Class 1 medical examination in conformance with Federal Avia-
tion Agency (FAA) regulations for commercial pilots.
10.1.5* Members who are under the influence of alcohol or
drugs shall not participate in any Fire department operations
or other duties.
10.2 Physical Performance Requirements.
10.2.1* The fire department shall develop physical perfor-
mance requirements for candidates and members who engage
in emergency operations.
10.2.2 Candidates shall be qualified as meeting the physical
performance requirements established by the fire department
prior to entering into a training program to become a fire
fighter.
10.2.3 Members who engage in emergency operations shall
be annually qualified as meering the physical performance re-
quirements established by the fire department.
10.2.4 Members who do not meet the required level of
physical performance shall not be permitted to engage in
emergency operations.
10.2.5 Members who are unable to meet the physical perfor-
mance requirements shall enter a physical performance reha-
bilitation program to facilitate progress in attaining a level of
performance commensurate with the individuafs assigned du-
ties and responsibilities.
10.3 Health and Fitness.
10.3.1 The fire department shall establish and provide a health
and fitness program that meets the requirements of NFPA 1583,
Standard on Hecdlh-Rekited Fitness Programs for Fire Fighters, to enable
members to develop and maintain a level of fitness that allows
them to safely perform their assigned functions.
10.3.2 The maintenance of fitness levels specified in the
program shall be ba.sed on fitness standards determined by
the fire department physician that reflect the individual's
assigned fimctions and activities and that are intended to
reduce the probability and severity of occupational injuries
and illnesses.
10.3.3 The fire department health and fitness coorclinator
shall administer all aspects of the physical fitness and health
enhancement program.
10.3.4 The health and fitness coordinator shall act as a direct
liaison between the fire department physician and the fire de-
partment in accordance with NFPA 1582.
10.4 Confidential Health Data Base.
10.4.1* The fire department shall ensure that a confidential,
permanent health file is established and maintained on each
individual member.
10.4.2 The individual health file shall record the results of
regular medical evaluations and physical performance tests,
any occupational illnesses or injuries, and any events that ex-
pose the individual to known or suspected hazardous materi-
als, toxic products, or contagious diseases.
10.4.3* Flealth information shall be maintained as a confiden-
ual record for each individual member as well as a composite
data base for the analysis of factors pertaining to the overall
health and fitness of the member group.
10.4.4* If a member dies as a re.sult of occupaUonal injury or
illness, autop.sy results, if available, shall be recorded in the
health data base.
2007 Edition
1500-28
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY /\ND HEALTH PROGRAM
10.5 Infection Control.
10.5.1* The fire department shall actively attempt to identify
and limit or prevent the exposure of members to infectious
and contagious diseases in the performance of their assigned
duties.
10.5.2 The fire department shall operate an infection control
program that meets the requirements of NFPA 1581.
10.6 Fire Department Physician.
10.6.1 The fire department shall have an officially designated
physician who shall be responsible for guiding, directing, and
advising the members with regard to their health and fitness
for various duties.
10.6.2 The fire department physician shall provide medical
guidance in the management of the occupational safety and
health program.
10.6.3* The fire department physician shall be a licensed
medical doctor or osteopathic physician qualified to provide
professional expertise in the areas of occupational safety and
health as they relate to emergency services.
10.6.4* The fire department physician shall be readily avail-
able for consultafion and to provide professional services on
an urgent basis.
10.6.4.1 Availability shall be permitted to be accomplished by
providing access to a number of qualified physicians.
10.6.5 The fire department shall require that the health and
safety officer and the health fitness coordinator maintain a liai-
son with the fire department physician to ensure that the health
maintenance process for the fire deparmient is maintained.
10.7 Fitness for Duty Evaluations.
10.7.1 Fire departments shall establish a process to evaluate
the ability of a member to perform essential job functions.
10.7.2 The process to evaluate the fitness of a member to
perform essential job functions shall be conducted by a quali-
fied person and confirmed by the fire department physician.
10.7.3 When a member is determined to be unable to per-
form the essential job functions, the member shall be pro-
vided assistance, treatment, or both that is intended to return
the member to a condition that will allow him or her to per-
form the essential job functions.
10.7.4 A member who has been determined to be unable to
perform the essential job functions will only be returned to
duty when a qualified penson has confirmed that the member
can perform the essential job funcfions.
services that can assist them with restoring their health and
their job performance to expected levels.
11.1,3* The fire department shall adopt a written policy state-
ment on alcoholism, substance abuse, and other problems
covered by the member assistance program.
11.1.4* Written rules shall be established specifying how
records are to be maintained, the policies governing retention
and access to records, and the procedure for release of infor-
mation.
11.1.4.1 These rules shall identify to whom and under what
conditions information can be released and what use, if any,
can be made of records for purposes of research, program
evaluation, and reports.
11.1.5 Member records maintained by a member assistance
program shall not become part of a member's personnel file.
11,2 Wellness Program.
11.2.1* The wellness program shall provide health promotion
activides that identify physical and mental health risk factors
and shall provide education and counseling for the purpose of
preventing health problems and enhancing overall well-being.
11.2.2* The tire department shaU provide a program on the
health effects associated with the use of tobacco products.
11.2.2.1 The fire department shall provide a smoking/ tobacco
use cessation program.
Chapter 12 Critical Incident Stress Program
12.1 General.
12.1.1 The fire department physician shall provide medical
guidance in the management of the critical incident stress
program.
12.1.2* The fire department shall adopt a written policy that
establishes a program designed to relieve the stress generated
by an incident that could adversely attect the psychological
and physical well-being of fire department members.
12.1.3 The policy shall establish criteria for implementation
of the program.
12.1.4 The program shall be made available to members for
incidents including but not limited to mass casualties, large
life loss incidents, fatalities involving children, fatalities or in-
juries involving fire department members, and any other situ-
ations that affect the psychological and physical well-being of
fire department members.
Chapter 11 Member Assistance
and Wellness Programs
11.1 Member Assistance Program,
11.1,1* The fire deparmient shall provide a member assistance
program that identifies and assists members and dreir immediate
families with substiince abuse, stress, and personal problems that
adversely affect fire department work performance.
11.1.2 The member assistance program .shall refer members
and, if appropriate, their immediate families to health care
Annex A Explanatory Material
Annex A is not a part of the requirements of this NIVA document
but is included for informational purposes only. This annex contains
explanatory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text
paragraphs.
A.1.2.3 It is possible that an existing program or policy can
satisfy the requirements of this standard; if so, it can be
adopted in whole or in part in order to comply with this
standard. Examples of such existing programs and policies
can be a mandatory SCBA rule, seat belt rule, corporate
safety program, or municipal employee assistance program.
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-29
The achievement of these objectives is intended to help
prevent accidents, injuries, and exposures and to reduce
the severity of those accidents, injuries, and exposures that
do occur. They will also help to prevent exposure to hazard-
ous materials and contagious diseases and to reduce the
probability of occupadonal fatalities, illnesses, and disabili-
ties affecting fire service personnel.
A. 1.4.1 In no case should the equivalency ;ifford less compe-
tency of members or safjety to members than that which, in the
judgment of the authority ha\'ingjurisdiction, would be provided
by compliance \vith meeting the requirements of Chapter 5.
A.1.5.1 The specific determinadon of the authority having
jurisdiction depends on the mechanism under which this stan-
dard is adopted and enforced. Wliere the standard is adopted
voluntarily by a particular fire department for its own use, the
avtthority having jurisdiction should be the fire chief or the
political entity that is responsible for the operation of the fire
department. Where the standard is legally adopted and en-
forced by a body having regulatory authority over a fire depart-
ment, such as the federal, state, or local government or a po-
litical subdivision, this body is responsible for making those
determinations as the authority having jurisdiction. The plan
should take into account the services the fire department is
required to provide, the financial resources available to the
fire department, the availability of personnel, the availability
of trainers, and such other factors as will affect the fire depart-
ment's ability to achieve compliance.
A.1.5.2 For a fire department to evaluate its compliance with
diis standard, it must develop .some type of logical process. The
worksheet in Annex B (Figure B.2) illustrates one way that an
action plan can be developed to detennine code compliance.
This standard is intended to be implemented in a logical
sequence, based upon a balanced evaluation of economic as
well as public safety and personnel safety factors. The compli-
ance schedule request assures that risk is objectively assessed
and reasonable priorities set toward reaching compliance. In-
terim compensator)' measures are intended to assure that
safety action is being addressed until full compliance is
reached and formally adopted into the fire department orga-
nization's policies and procedures. This can include, but is not
limited to, increased inspections, testing, temporary suspen-
sion or restriction of use of specific equipment, .specialized
training, and administrative controls.
A.3.2.1 Approved. The National Fire Protection Association
does not approve, inspect, or certify any installations, proce-
dures, equipment, or materials; nor does it approve or evalu-
ate testing laboratories. In determining the acceptability of
installations, proceduies, equipment, or materials, the author-
ity having jurisdiction may ba.se acceptance on compliance
with NFPA or other appropriate standards. In the absence of
such standards, said authority may require evidence of proper
installation, procedure, or vise. The authority having jurisdic-
tion may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of an
organization that is concerned with product evaluations and is
thus in a position to determine compliance with appropriate
standards for the current production of listed items.
A.3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The phrase "au-
thority having jurisdiction," or its acronym AHJ, is used in NFPA
documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and approval
agencies vary, as do dieir responsibilities. Where public safety is
primary, the authority havingjuiisdiction may be a federal, state,
local, or other regional department or individual such as a fire
chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor de-
partment, or health department; building ofticial; electrical in-
spector; or others having statutory authority. For insurance pur-
poses, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau, or
other insurance company representative may be the authority
having jurisdiction. In many circumstances, the property owner
or his or her designated agent assumes the role of the authority
having jurisdiction; at government instiillations, the command-
ing officer or departmental ofificial may be the authority having
jurisdiction.
A.3.3.3 Air Transfer. Air is allowed to flow from the cylinder
with a higher pressure to the cylinder with a lower pressure
until the pressure equalizes, at which time the transfer line is
disconnected between the two cylinders.
A.3.3.4 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting. Such rescue and
fire-fighting actions are performed both inside and outside of
the aircraft.
A.3.3.5.1 Hazardous Atmosphere. A hazardous atmosphere
can be immediately dangerous to life and health.
A.3.3.8 Candidate. In an employment context, the Americans
with Disabilities Act (discussed in further detail in Annex B of
NFPA 1582, Standard on, Comprehensive Occupational Medical Pro-
gram for Fire Departments) requires that any medical examina-
tion to be conducted take place after an offer of employment
is made and prior to the commencement of duties. Therefore,
in the employment context, the definition of candidate i\\(m\d
be applied so as to be consistent with that requirement. Volim-
teer fire fighters have been deemed to be "employees" in some
states or jurisdictions. Volunteer fire departments should seek
legal counsel as to their legal responsibilities in these matters.
A.3.3.10 Chemical Flash Fire. A policy of wearing protective
clothing is needed that recognizes the significant threat to fire
fighters who can be exposed to flash fires in either structural
fire-fighting or hazardous materials environments. It is hoped
that tire fighters utilize awareness training on burn injuries
caused by the ignition of the environment. There is a distinct
difference between chemical flash fires and flashovers occur-
ring in structural fire-fighting environments.
Flashover is a phenomenon that generates temperatures in
the range of laOO^F to 1500°F (65d°C to 81.5°C). A chemical
flash fire requires an ignition source and a chemical atmo-
sphere that contains a concentration above the lower explo-
sive limit (LEL) of the chemical. Chemical flash fires generate
heat from lOOO^F to 1900°F (540°C to 1040°C). As "a rule, a
structural fire flashover is confined to a designated area with
walls as a boundary. The size of a chemical flash fire depends
on the size of the gas or vapor cloud and, when ignited, the
flame front expands outward in the form of a fireball. The
resulting effect of the fireball's energy with respect to radiant
heat significandy enlarges the hazard areas around the gas
released. [1991, 200.5]
A.3.3.12 Clear Text. Ten codes or agency-specific codes should
not be used when tising clear text.
A.3.3.16 Company. For fire suppression, jurisdictions exist
where the response capability of the initial arriving company is
configured with the response of two apparatus. In some juris-
dictions, apparatus is not configured with seated and belted
positions for four personnel and therefore would respond
with an additional vehicle in consort with the initial arriving
2007 Edition
1500-30
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
engine to carry additional personnel. This response would be
to ensure that a minimum of four personnel are assigned to
and deployed as a company. The intent of this definition and
the requirements in the standard is to ensure that these two
(or more) pieces of apparatus would always be dispatched and
respond together as a single company. Some examples of this
include the following:
(1) Engine and tanker/ tender that would be responding out-
side a municipal water district
(2) Multiple-piece company assignment, specified in a fire de-
partment's re.sponse stimdard operating procedures, such
as an engine company response with a pumper and a hose
wagon
(3) Engine with a vehicle personnel carrier
(4) Engine with an ambulance or rescue unit
Company, as used in this standard, is synonymous with com-
pany unit, response team, crew, and response group, rather
than a synonym for a fire department.
A.3.3.17 Confined Space. Additionally, a confined space is
further defined as having one or more of the following
characteristics:
(1) The area contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous
atmosphere, including an Oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
(2) The area contains a material with a potential to engulf a
member.
(3) The area has an internal configuration .such that a mem-
ber could be trapped by inwardly converging walls or a
floor that slopes downward and tapers to a small cross
section.
(4) The area contains any other recognized serious hazard.
A.3.3.21 Cryogenic Liquid. Cryogenic liquids include, but are
not limited to, heliiun, nitrogen, and oxygen. [1991, 2005]
A.3. 3.24.1 Communicable Disease. Also known as contagious
disease.
A.3.3.30 Faceshield. Faceshields should be used only in con-
junction with spectacles and/or goggles.
A.3.3.34 Fire Departnrent. The term fire department can in-
clude any public, governmental, private, industrial, or military
organization engaging in this type of activity.
A.3.3.35 Fire Department Facility. This does not include loca-
tions where a fire department can be svmimoned to perform
emergency operations or other duties, unless such premises
are normally under the control of the fire department.
A.3. 3.37.1 Proximity Fire Fighting. Specialized thermal pro-
tection from exposure to high levels of radiant heat, as well as
thermal protection from conductive and convective heat, is
necessary for persons involved in such operations due to the
■scope of these operations and the close distance to the fire at
which these operations are conducted, although direct entry
into flame is not made. These operations usually are exterior
operations but could be combined with interior operations.
Proximity fire fighting is not structural fire fighting but could
be combined with structural fire-fighting operations.
A.3.3.39 Fire Suppression. Fire suppression includes all activi-
ties performed at the scene of a fire incident or training exer-
cise that expose fire department members to the dangers of
heat, flame, smoke, and other products of combustion, explo-
sion, or structural collapse.
A.3.3.41 Hazard. Hazards include the characteristics of facili-
ties, equipment, systems, property, hardware, or other objects
and the actions and inactions of people that create such hazards.
A.3.3.47 Health and Safety Officer. This individual can be the
incident safety officer, or that can also be a separate function.
A.3.3.54 Incident Management System (IMS). The .system is
also referred to as an incident command system (ICS).
A.3.3.55 Incident Safety Officer. The incident safety officer
can have assistants.
A.3.3.57 Infection Control Program. This program includes,
but is not limited to, implementation of written policies and
standard operating procedures regarding exposure follow-up
measures, immunizations, members' health screening pro-
grams, and educational programs.
A.3.3.62 Liquefied Gas. Examples of liquefied gases include,
but are not limited to, ammonia, 1,2-butadiene, chlorine, eth-
ylene oxide, hydrogen chloride, liquefied petroleum gas, and
methyl chloride. Testing in NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-
Protective Ensembks for Hazardous Materials Emergencies, is only
conducted for a limited number of liquefied gases. Users
should consult the technical data package to determine which
liquefied gases have been tested with the suit's primary mate-
rials. [1991,2005]
A.3.3.63 Member. A fire department member can be a full-
time or part-time employee or a paid or unpaid volunteer, can
occupy any position or rank within the fire department, and
can engage in emergency operations.
A.3.3.69.1 Defensive Operations. Defensive operations are
generally perfotTaed from the exterior of structures and are
based on a determination that the risk to personnel exceeds
the potential benefits of offensive actions.
A.3.3.69.5 Special Operations. Special operations include wa-
ter rescue, extrication, hazardous materials, confined space
entry, high-angle rescue, aircraft rescue and fire fighting, and
other operations requiring specialized training.
A.3.3.71 Particulates. Particulates do not include aerosols or
suspended liquid droplets in air. Aerosols are considered liquids.
A.3.3.75 Protective Ensemble. The elements of the protective
ensemble are coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves, foot-
wear, and interface components.
A.3.3.78 Rapid Intervention Crew/Company (RIC). Emer-
gency .sen'ices personnel respond to many incidents that
present a high risk to personnel safety. Departments in com-
pliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, Inspiratory protection,
must have a minimum of two persons on-scene, fully equipped
when members are operating in an IDLH or potentially IDLH
atmosphere. The primary purpose is the rescue of injured,
lost, or trapped fire fighters. Departments utilizing an inci-
dent management system in accordance with NFPA 1 561 , Stan-
dard on E?7iergem,y Services Incident Management System, or 29 CFR
1910.120, Hazardous tuaste operations and emergency response,
along with a personnel accountability system have incorpo-
rated the RIC into their management system. Many depart-
ments have redefined their response plans to include the dis-
patch of an additional company (engine, rescue, or truck) to
respond to incidents and stand by as the RIC. Incident com-
manders can assign additional RICs based on the size and
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-31
complexity of the incident scene. In some departments they
can also be known as a rapid intervention team. At wildland
incidents this wovild be addressed through the planning pro-
cess and contingency planning.
A.3.3.82 Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE). Examples
are filter respirators, chemical cartridge or canister respira-
tors, air-line respirators, powered air-purifying respirators,
and self-contained breathing apparatus.
A.3.3.90 Spectacles. Safety glasses are an example of spectacles.
A.4.1.1 The organizational statement is a very important basis
for many of the provisions of this standard. The statement sets
forth the legal basis for operating a fire department, the orga^
nizational structure of the fire department, number of mem-
bers, training requirements, expected functions, and authori-
ties and responsibilities of various members or defined
positions.
A key point is to clearly set out the specific services the fire
department is authorized and expected to perform. Most fire
departments are responsible to a governing body The govern-
ing body has the right and should assert its authority to set the
specific services and the limiLs of the ser\'ices the fire depart-
ment will provide and has the responsibility to furnish the
necessaiy resovuxes for delivery of the designated services.
The fire department should provide its governing body with a
specific description of each service with options or alternatives
and with an accurate analysis of the costs and resources
needed for each service.
Such sei"vices could include structural fire fighting, wild-
land fire fighting, airport/aircraft fire fighting, emergency
medical seraces, hazardous materials response, high-angle
rescue, heavy rescue, and others.
Spelling out the specific parameters of services to be pro-
vided allows the tire department to plan, staff, equip, train,
and deploy members to perform these duties. It also gives the
governing body an accounting of the costs of .services and al-
lows it to select those services they can afford to provide. Like-
wise, the governing body should idenUfy services it cannot af-
ford to provide and cannot authorize the fire department to
deliver, or it should assign those services to another agency.
The fire department should be no different from any other
government agency that has the parameters of its authority
and services clearly defined by the governing body.
Legal counsel should be used to assure that any statutoiy
senices and responsibilities are being met.
The majority of public fire departments are established under
the charter provisions of their governing body or through the
adoption of statutes. These acts define the legal basis for operat-
ing a fire department, the mission of die organization, the duties
that are authorized and expected to be peribrmed, and the au-
thority and responsibilities that are assigned to certain individu-
als to direct the operations of the fire department.
The documents that officially establish the fire department
as an identifiable organization are necessary to determine spe-
cific responsibilities and to determine the parties responsible
for compliance with the provisions of this standard.
In many cases, these documents could be a part of state
laws, a municipal charter, or an annual budget. In such cases,
it would be appropriate to make these existing documents
part of the organizational statement, if applicable.
In cases other than governmen tally operated public fire de-
partments, there is a need to foraially establish the existence of
the organization through the adoption of a charter, the approval
of a constitution or articles of incorporation, or some equivalent
official action of an authorized body. A fire department that op-
erates entirely within the private sector, such as an industriiil fire
department, could legally establish and operate a fire protection
organization by the adoption of a corporate policy as described
in the organizational statement.
In addition to specifically defining the organization that is
expected to comply with this standard, 4.1.1 requires that the
organizational structure, membership, expected functions,
and training requirements be contained in documents that
are accessible for examination. These requirements are in-
tended to reinforce the fact that the fire department is an
identifiable organization that operates with known and spe-
cific expectations.
Where a fire department functions as a unit of a larger
entity, such as one of several municipal departments or a par-
ticular unit of a private corporation, the larger organization is
often able to provide some of the same elements that are re-
quired to be provided by the fire department. This would sat-
isfy the requirements for the fire department to provide those
elements.
A.4.L2 Additional information on fire department organiza-
tion and operations can be found in Section 7 of the NFPAfire
Protection Handbook and in Chapter 4 of Managing Fire and Res-
cue Services, published by the International City/County Man-
ageinent Association.
A.4.2.1 The risk management plan should consider all fire
department operations, the duties and responsibilities of
members (uniform and civilian), and policies and proce-
dures. The risk management plan should include goals and
objectives to ensure that the risks associated with the daily
operations of the fire department are identified and effec-
tively managed.
For additional guidance on the development of a risk man-
agement plan, see NFPA 12,50, Recommended Practice in Emer-
gency Service Organization Risli Management.
A.4.2.3 The entire risk management decision-making pro-
cess can be summarized as follows:
( 1 ) Identify or recognize
(2) Evaluate
(3) Estabhsh priorities for action
(4) Act and control
(5) Monitor and re-evaluate
Discussions about frequency and risk arise in the evalua-
tion phase. What are the real or potential risks in terms of
frequency and severity to fire department members? How will
the organization develop effective control measures to ensure
a safe work environment for all members?
Since no two fire departments are ahke, there is no stan-
dard scale to measure and evaluate frequency and risk. Some
fire departments will have a greater or lesser degree of toler-
ance for risk than others. The intent of the risk management
process is for a fire department to develop a stiindard level of
safety. This standard level of safety defines the parameters of
the acceptable degree of risk for which members perform
their job functions.
2007 Edition
1500-32
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAEETi'AND HEALTH PROGRAM
By definition, frequency is how often something does, or
might, happen. Risk is a measure of the consequences if an
undesirable event occurs. There are many factors that enter
into the risk discussion, including cost, dme lost from work,
loss of use of resources, inabihty to deliver services, and fewer
services available. Each risk will have its own set of factors that
will dictate how the fire department will try to determine how
severe the consequences might be.
This scale is used to establish the degree of priority. Priority
of the risk is in direct reladon to inherent risks that have had a
harmful effect on the department and its members.
A primary purpose of the risk management plan is to focus
efforts on incidents that might not occur very often (low fre-
quency) but that could have severe consequences associated
with them (high risk). The reason for the focus on low
frequency/high risk incidents is that since they do not occur
on a frequent basis, responders might not be as prepared to
deal with them, and the outcomes can be harmful or detri-
mental to fire fighters. Examples of low frequency/high risk
events could include high rise fires, technical rescues, multi-
alarm fires, or mass casualty incidents.
There are two factors that will ensure that a low frequency/
high risk event will be successful. The first factor is an aggres-
sive training program. Every day is a training day. With an
aggressive training program, this will ensure the successful
outcome of an incident. The second factor is rapid prime de-
cision making. Personnel, through training and condnuous
retraining, have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilides
(ICSA) to ensure the successful outcome of a low frequency/
high risk incident.
Figure A.4.2. 3 illustrates the relationship between frequency
and risk, and emphasizes the importance of addressing low
frequency/high risk incidents.
Risk
Low Frequency
High Risk
High Frequency
High Risk
Low Frequency
Low Risk
High Frequency
Low Risk
Frequency
FIGURE A.4.2.3 Risk and Frequency Graph.
A.4.3.1 The following is an example of a safety policy statement:
It is the policy of the fire department to provide and to
operate with the highest possible levels of safety and health for
all members. The prevention and reduction of accidents, inju-
ries, and occupational illnesses are goals of the fire depart-
ment and shall be primary considerations at all times. This
concern for safety and health applies to all members of the tire
department and to any other persons who could be involved
in fire department activities.
A.4.3.3 Experience has shown that there is often a significant
difference between a written occupational safety and health
program and the actual program that has been implemented.
Periodic evaluations are one method the fire chief can use to
measure how the program is being conducted. This evaluation
should be conducted by a qualified individual from outside of
the fire department, because outside evaluators provide a dif-
ferent perspective, which can be constructive. Outside evalua-
tors could include municipal risk managers, safety directors,
consultants, insurance carrier representatives, fire chiefs,
safety officers, or others having knowledge of fire department
operations and occupational safety and health program
implementation.
A.4.4.3 The responsibility for establishing and enforcing
safety rules and regulations rests with the management of the
fire department. Enforcement implies that appropriate ac-
tion, including disciplinary measures if necessary, will be taken
to ensure compliance. A standard approach to enforcement
should address both sanctions and rewards. All fire depart-
ment members should recognize and support the need for a
standard regulatory approach to safety and health. In addition
to the management responsibilities, an effective safety pro-
gram requires commitment and support from all members
and member organizations.
A.4.4.5 The importance of investigating accidents to person-
nel, equipment, or vehicles in relation to the prevention of
reoccurring accidents is time-proven. However, the occur-
rence of an accident is, fortunately, relatively rare considering
the amount of action carried out by fire service members. Re-
lying solely on accident data to prescribe safety procedures is
analogous with closing the birdcage after the bird has es-
caped.
Compared to the actual number of accidents reported, a
host of incidents known as near-mfsses occur. The pfiilosophy
of investigating near-miss incidents deserves merit. There are
countless "almost-accidents" that occur every day.
In an effort to truly prevent more accidents, and to effectively
manage the safety of the personnel, near-miss incidents should
be documented and quantified to truly determine the exposures
to risk that people, equipment, and vehicles are exposed to each
day These incident investigations begin with a ctilture that
readily accepts near-miss incident reports without penalty or ridi-
cule. Asystem should also be in place to investigate the near-miss
incident to determine the causal factors involved. Examples can
include human error, lack of education or training, lack of famil-
iarity with/or operation of equipment, or equipment malfunc-
tions or design shortcomings.
Managing the infinite possibilities of near-miss incidents
and accidents is laborious and seems ovenvhelming. Attention
to the risks measured in the workplace and investigation into
the potential incidents and accidents is, arguably, the begin-
ning of an effective safety process.
See also A.4.4.3.
A.4.5.I One of the most important provisions for improving
the safety and health of the fire service is through an official
organizational structure that has the support of the members
and the fire department management. Without official recog-
nition and support, .safety and health committees could be
ineffective showpieces, lack authority, or be dominated by par-
ticular interests. To avoid such situations, it is recommended
that a safety and health committee be composed of equal
numbers of fire department management representatives and
member representatives. Specific areas of responsibility of the
joint .safety and health committee should be oudined in detail
through written procedures or contractual negotiation.
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-33
A.4.5.3 The requirement in 4.5.3.1 for one regularly sched-
uled meeting every 6 months is intended as a minimum. Com-
mittee meetings should be held as often as necessary to deal
with the issues confronting the group. The written minutes of
each meeting should be distributed and posted in a conspicu-
ous place in each fire station so that all members can be aware
of issues under discussion and actions that have been taken.
A.4.6.1 The data collecdon system for accidents, injuries, ill-
nesses, exposures, and deaths should provide both incident-
specific information for future reference and information that
can be processed in studies of morbidity, mortality, and causa-
tion. The use of standard coding as provided by NFPA 901,
Standard Classifications for Incident Reporting and Fire Protection
Data, will allow compatibility with national and regional re-
porting systems.
A.4.6.4 See NFPA 1401, liecommended Practice for Fire Seruice Train-
ing I-iefKnts and Fiecords, for further information and gviidance.
A.5.1.I The primary goal of all training, education, and pro-
fessional development programs is the reduction of occupa-
tional injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. As members progress
through various job duties and responsibilities, the depart-
ment should ensure the introduction of the necessar)' knowl-
edge, skills, and abilities to members who are new in their job
titles, as well as ongoing development of existing skills.
These programs should include information to ensure
that members are trained prior to performing individual
duties, as well as ongoing professional development to en-
sure competency.
Training programs should include but not be limited to the
following:
(1) Community risk reduction (fire prevention, public edu-
cation, investigation, etc.)
(2) Health and safety
(3) Fire suppression
(4) Emergency medical
(5) Human resources (leadership, supervision, interper-
sonal dynamics, equal employment opportunity, etc.)
(6) Incident management .system
(7) Hazardous materials
(8) Technical rescue
(9) Information .systems and computer technology
(10) Position-.specific development (fire fighter, company of-
ficer, chief officer, telecommvmicator, investigator, in-
spector, driver/operator, etc.)
A.5.1.4 The u.se of a structured on-the-job training (OJT)
program with close supetiJision can assist fire departments to
uulize new members in non-lDLH environments during emer-
gency operations.
A.5.2.2 Statistics presented by the National Fire Protection As-
sociation (NFPA) and the United States Fire Administration
(USFA) indicate an alarming trend in the increased number of
fire fighter fatalities and injuries associated with vehicle opera-
tions. Fire departments respond with a variety of apparatus, and
the members operating this apparatus must have the appropriate
knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate this apparatus.
The first step in this process is to properly train and edu-
cate members on the various types of apparatus they could be
required to operate. NFPA 1451, Standard for a Fire Service Ve-
hicle Operations Training Program, provides the curriculum for
members to develop the necessaiy knowledge, skills, and abili-
ties to meet the reqidrements of 5.2.2. The second step is to
ensure that the fire department performs an annual profi-
ciency evaluation of all drivers/operators as required by Sec-
tion 5.5. Also, the training and education should address the
standard operating procedures associated with vehicle opera-
tions, especially emergency response.
These are necessary components of the department's plan
to reduce the risks associated with vehicle operations. This is a
systems approach to ensure the safety and health of members
and the citizens they serve.
A.5.2.6 In the United States, federal regulations require a
minimum amount of training for fire service personnel who
respond to hazardous materials incidents. These require-
ments can be found in 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous xuaste opera-
tions and emergency response (OSHA), and in 40 CFR 311, Worker
protection (EPA) . These regulations affect all fire departments
in the United States whether full-time career, part-time, com-
bination career and volunteer, or fully volunteer. These regu-
lations apply in all states and not just in those states with fed-
erally approved state OSHA programs.
In the U.S. federal regulations. First Responder Operations
Level is defined as follows:
First responders at the operations level are individuals
who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous
substances as part of the initial response to the site for the
purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the en-
vironment from the effects of the release. They are trained
to respond in a defensive fashion without actually trying to
stop the release. Their function is to contain the release
from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent
exposure. First responders at the operational level shall
have received at least 8 hours of training or have had suffi-
cient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in
the following areas in addition to those listed in the aware-
ness level and the employer shall so certify:
(1) Knowledge of the basic hazard and risk assessment tech-
niques
(2) Knowing how to properly select and use proper personal
protective equipment provided to the First Re.sponder
Operations Level
(3) An understanding of basic hazardous materials terms
(4) Knowing how to perform basic control, containment,
and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of
the resources and personal protective equipment avail-
able with their unit
(5) Knowing how to implement basic decontamination pro-
cedures
(6) An understanding of the relevant standard operating pro-
cedures and termination procedures
The First Responder Operations Level in both the U.S. fed-
eral regulations and NFPA 472, Standard for Professional Compe-
tence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents, is similar.
Whereas the U.S. federal regulations (29 CFR 1910.120 or 40
CFR 311) govern the fire service in every state in the United
States, the minimum level of training for all fire fighters must
be the First Re-sponder Operations Level.
A.5.3.1 In order to en.sure compliance with the minimum
reqtnrements of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional
Qiialifications, fire department training programs should be
accredited by a training organization such as a state fire train-
ing agency. In addition, NFPA 1405, Guide for Land-Based Fire
Fighters Wio Respond to Marine Vessel Fires, provides recom-
mended guidelines for those members who respond to ma-
rine vessel fires.
2007 Edition
1500-34
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEAETH PROGRAM
A.5.3.5 The essence of any successful respiratory protection
training program is the establishment of written operational
policies and the reinforcement of those policies through com-
prehensive training.
The AHJ should ensure that each member demonstrates
knowledge of at least the following:
(1) Why respiratory protection equipment (RPE) is necessary
and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can com-
promise the protective effect of the respirator
(2) What the limitations and capabilities of the RPE are
(3) How to use the RPE effectively in emergency situations,
including situations in which the RPE malfunctions
(4) How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the
seals of the facepiece
(5) What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of
the respiratory protection equipment
(6) How to recognize mecUcal signs and symptoms that can
limit or prevent the effective use of RPE
(7) The requirements of Section 7.9
A.5.3.7 Several accidents have occurred where smoke bombs
or other smoke-generating devices that produce a toxic atmo-
sphere have been used for training exercises. Where training
exercises are intended to simulate emergency conditions,
smoke-generating devices that do not create a hazard are re-
quired.
A.5.3.8 Fire departments can utilize instructors who are not
necessarily trained and/or certified to the requirements of
NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Insiriiclor Professional Quali-
fications. However, in using these instructors they should en-
sure that they are familiar with the fire department, its organi-
zation, and its operations and, in addition, are qualified in
that particular area of expertise.
A.5.3.9 Members can be trained and/or certified at the local,
state, or national level in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Ad-
vanced Life Support (ALS) . Jurisdictions can require specialty
skills within certain levels.
A.5.3.10 Clothing that is made from 100 percent natural fi-
bers or blends that are principally natural fibers should be
selected over other fabrics that have poor thermal stability or
ignite easily.
The very fact that persons are fire fighters indicates that all
clothing that they wear should be flame resistant (as chil-
dren's sleepwear is required to be) to give a degree of safety if
unanficipated happenings occur that expose the clothing to
flame, flash, sparLs, or hot substances. This would include
clothing worn under their structural fire-fighting protective
ensemble.
A.5.5.3 An annual skills check should address the profes-
sional qualification specific to a member's assignment and
duty expectation. As an example, a fire fighter is checked for
skills required by NFPA 1001. A driver/operator would be
checked for skills required by NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Ap-
paraius Driver/ Operator Professional Qualifications.
A.6.1.1 It is recommended that only apparatus that were de-
signed and manufactured to meet the 1991 or later editions of
the NFPA fire apparatus standards or that have been refur-
bished in accordance with NFPA 1912, Standard for Fire Appara-
tus Refurbishing, to meet the 1991 or later editions of the NFPA
fire apparatus standards be permitted to operate in first4ine
service. This vvill ensure that, while the apparatus may not to-
tally comply with the current edition of the Automotive Fire
Apparatus standards, many of the improvements and up-
grades required by the standards since 1991 are available for
the fire fighters who use the apparatus.
It is recommended that an apparatus manufactured prior
to 1991 that is less than 25 years old, that has been properly
maintained, and that is still in serviceable condition be placed
in reserve status and upgraded to incorporate as many fea-
tures of the post-1991 fire apparatus as possible. Apparatus not
manufactured to NFPA fire apparatus standards or that is over
25 years old should be replaced.
See Annex D of NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive FireAp-
paratu,% for more complete guidelines for first-line and reserve
fire apparatus.
A.6.1.1.1 Information regarding ambulance specifications
can be found in the current U.S. Federal Government General
Services Administration's Federal Specification for the "Star-
of-Life Ambulance," KKK-A-1822E.
A.6.1.5 The means of holding the item in place or the com-
partment should be designed to minimize injury to persons in
the enclosed area of the fire apparatus or patient compart-
ment of an ambulance. Loose equipment during the event of
a crash, a rapid deceleration, or a rapid acceleration can be
the cause of serious injury or the crash of the apparatus.
A.6.2.1 NFPA 1451, Standard for a Fire Service Vehicle Operations
Training Program, can be used to meet the requirements of an
"approved driver training program."
A.6.2.2 The determination of driver's license requirements is
a function of a particular authority in each location. This
agency can be a state or provincial Department of Transporta-
tion or an equivalent agency. Other authorities, such as mili-
tary branches, have the authority to issue permits to operate
their vehicles. It is a responsibility of the fire department to
determine the requirements that apply in each situation and
for each class of vehicle.
A.6.2.3 Policies should be enacted to limit unnecessary and
inappropriate emergency response, as a means of reducing
the risk of accidents involving emergency vehicles.
A.6.2.4 The driver of any vehicle has legal responsibility for
its safe and prudent operation at all times. While the driver is
responsible for the operation of the vehicle, the officer is re-
sponsible for the actions of the driver.
A.6.2.7 The development, implementation, and periodic re-
view of standard operating procedures for driving any fire de-
partment vehicle is an important element in clearly identify-
ing the fire department's policy on what is expected of drivers.
Safe arrival is of prime importance. Standard operating proce-
dures should include a "challenge and response" dialogue be-
tween the vehicle driver on an emergency response and the
officer or other member in the driver compartment. The
"challenge and response" dialogue should be instituted to de-
termine the driver's intentions when approaching any per-
ceived or identified hazard on the response route, to remind
the driver of the presence of the hazard and the planned pro-
cedures for managing the hazard, and to ensure that the
driver is coping with stressors encountered during the re-
sponse and not focusing only on arriving at the site of the
emergency.
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-35
The specific inclusion of railroad grade crossing is based
upon recommendations made by the National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) to NFPAfollowing the 1989 investigafion
of a collision between a fire department pumper and a passen-
ger train. The NTSB report states that "planning how to safely
traverse grade crossings encountered en route is a necessary
part of any fire company's response plan."
NTSB recommends that the following be considered when
developing the plans:
If it is not practical to plan an emergency response route
that avoids grade crossings, selection of crossings that are
equipped with automatic warning devices is preferable to se-
lection of those that are not. All planning should include iden-
tification of the locafion at the crossing from which a driver or
other observer assigned to the apparatus can see the maxi-
mum available distance down the track(s) on both sides.
At crossings over a single straight track with no nearby ob-
structions, briefly stopping or slowing the apparatus to allow a
proper scan both left and right may be .sufficient. If the tracks
are curved, vision is obstructed, or the crossing has more than
one set of tracks where the presence of one train may hide the
approach of another, sight distance may be optimized by hav-
ing one or more members cross the tracks on foot and look for
approaching trains.
Fire fighter fatality studies describe 10 incidents that oc-
curred from 1984 to 2004 in which fire fighters were killed
during the backing of fire apparatus. This is a significant is.sue
that the fire serA'ice must address in terms of standard operat-
ing procedures, training programs, and implementation.
When fire apparatus is in the backing mode, standard
operating procedures need to dictate that members as-
signed to back apparatus be in communicadon with the
driver/operator. This can be accomplished by using the ra-
dio system, intercom system, or other means. Standard op-
eradng procedures should dictate that the apparatus not be
moved until verbal and visual contact is made with the
driver/operator and the backer. Also, standard operadng
procedures must dictate that the backer be in the line of
sight with the driver/operator via the apparatus mirrors on
either side of the apparatus. The intent is to ensure that the
backing of fire apparatus is accomplished in a safe and ef-
fective manner.
A.6.2.7.I Many incidents require the non-emergency re-
sponse of fire apparatus. Each fire department must identify
incidents that do not require the use of warning lights and
sirens. Examples of non-emergency incidents can include
lockouts, carbon monoxide detectors sounding, a fire re-
ported out, assist law enforcement, backfills or move-ups, and
other incidents as determined by the AHJ. The intent is to
reduce the risk to fire department members and the citizens
of the community from unnecessary harm. The response can
always be upgraded to emergency response if the situation
warrants based upon additional information.
Fire department water tankers (tenders) provide a mobile
water supply to support fire fighting and other fire depart-
ment operations. They are generally used in rural areas with-
out fire hydrant coverage but can also be found in the fleets of
many suburban and urban fire departments.
Although their number as a percent of the overall appara-
tus fleets is small, estimated atjust 2 percent, they are involved
in a disproportionate number of crashes that are fatal to fire
fighters and others. A study of fire fighter fatalities from 1990
through 2000 found that fire tankers were the second most
common vehicle type involved in crashes that killed fire fight-
ers. Tankers/ tenders were second only to personal vehicles in
the number of fatal crashes.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) produced a
report entided Safe Operation of Fire Tankers in 2003. The report
(FA-248) is available free from the USFA in print and can be
downloaded from the USFA web site at www.usfa.fema.gov.
The report provides comprehensive information on the safe
construction, use, and operation of fire department tankers/
tenders. The report deals with fire apparatus with water tanks
sizes of 1000 gal (3800 L) or more. The recommendations
contained in the report, therefore, can apply to any piece of
fire apparatus with a large water tank.
Attention to a small number of operational recommenda-
tions can make the operation of fire tankers/ tenders safer for
fire fighters and those that share the road with this type of
apparatus.
The following recommendations should become part of
standard operating procedures for departments operating
tankers (tenders);
(1 ) Fire fighters should always wear seat belts when driving or
as the passenger in any vehicle, including tankens/
tenders. The fire fighter's best chance for survival is to
remain with the vehicle during a crash and to be pro-
tected by the structure of the vehicle. During the period
from 1990 to 2001, 82 percent of the fire fighters killed in
tanker/ tender crashes were not wearing seat belts.
(2) If the right-hand wheels of the apparatirs leave the paved
.surface of the roadway for any reason, the apparatus
should be slowed before attempting to return all wheels
to the roadway. In 66 percent of the fatal tanker/ tender
crashes from 1990 to 2001, the right wheels of the appara-
tus left the roadway. If the vehicle is returned to the road-
way surface at speed, the apparatus can veer violently to
the left. Drivers then often overcompensate by steering to
the right, and the apparatus either begins to roll or leaves
the roadway and crashes. Slowing the vehicle prior to re-
turning to the roadway will minimize the chances of such
an event.
(3) Sloio down. Speed was cited as a factor in 55 percent of
fatal crashes of fire department tankers/ tenders from
1990 to 2001. The weight of the water and the weight of
the apparatus combine to make fire department
tankers/tenders very heavy vehicles. They cannot stop
quickly, and their handling characteristics are unlike
other fire apparatus. The USFA Safe Operation of Fire
Tankers report recommends that tankers/ tenders never
be operated over the posted speed limit and that they
be controlled to speeds at or less than the cautionary
speeds listed on yellow signs on curves.
(4) Make sure that the apparatus is up to the task. Fuel or
milk tankers converted to fire department water tank-
ers usually do not have the brake capacity or tank
baffles that are needed to transport water — fuel and
milk are lighter than water. The total weight of a
tanker/ tender should not exceed the rated capacity of
the vehicle's braking system. In addition to weight con-
cerns, tankers/tenders must be maintained in a ready
state. Their mechanical .systems must be checked and
maintained on a regular basis.
2007 Edition
1500-36
FIRE DEP/\RTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGR/\M
(5) Ensure that drivers/operators have the necessary knowl-
edge, skills, and abilities to specifically drive and operate
tankers/tenders. Tankers/ tenders do not operate or have
the same driving characteristics as other fire apparatus.
Drivers should be specifically trained on each vehicle, and
untrained drivers should not be allowed to operate
tankers/tenders.
(6) Drive with the tank completely full or completely empty.
Even with proper baffling, a semi-full water tank will allow
water to move more freely. This water movement can cre-
ate control problems for the apparatus operator. If the
full tank of water is not used, dump the rest of the load in
a safe place and drive the tanker/tender empty until the
entire tank can be filled.
A.6.2.8 Accidents at intersections contribute to both civilian
and fire fighter deaths and injuries while fire department ve-
hicles are responding to or returning from an emergency inci-
dent. Coming to a complete stop when there are any intersection
hazards and proceeding only when the driver can do so safely will
reduce accidents and the risk of injury or death. It is recom-
mended that intersection control devices be installed that allow
emergency vehicles to control traffic lights at intersections.
A.6.2.10 Vehicle accidents at railroad crossings have resulted
in a number of deaths and injuries to fire department mem-
bers. A study by NTSB concluded that a train's warning horn
becomes an ineffective device for warning large vehicles or
trucks unless the vehicle driver stops, idles the engine, turns
off all radios, fans, wipers, and other noise-producing equip-
ment in the cab, lowers the window, and listens for a train's
horn before entering a grade crossing.
A.6.2.14 When members respond to incidents or to the fire
station in their own vehicles, the operation of these vehicles is
governed by all applicable traffic laws and codes as enacted by
the AHJ. All members should be held stricdy accountable for
compliance with the applicable traffic laws and regulations as
well as fire department rules, regulations, and procedures re-
lating to emergency response. Where traffic laws and regula-
tions allow for private vehicles to be operated as emergency
vehicles, the fire department should only allow members who
have met the requirements to drive fire department vehicles
in an emergency mode to drive privately owned vehicles in an
emergency mode.
A.6.2.14.2 For more information, see FA-220, Firefighter Fakd-
ily Introspective Study, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
United States Fire Administration, April 2002.
A.6.3.1 It is intended that the requirements of Section 6.3
apply to all situations when persons or members are riding on
fire apparatus other than for the specific variances in 6.3.4 and
6.3.5. Included in the "seated and belted" requirement are any
times the fire apparatus is traveling to, participating in, or re-
turning from any funeral, piuade, or public relations/
education event. Fire fighters cannot be allowed to ride on the
outside of apparatus in order to fight wildland fires. The Fire
Line Safety Committee (FLSC) of the National Wildfire Coor-
dinating Group (NWCG) represents the U.S. Forest Sei-vice,
Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish
and Wildlife Agency, National Park Service, and National Asso-
ciation of State Foresters. Their position is that the practice of
lire figliters riding on the outside of vehicles and fighting wild-
land fires from these positions is very dangerous, and they
strongly recommend this not be allowed. One issue is the ex-
posure to personnel in unprotected positions. Persons have
been killed while pertbrming this operation. Also, the vehicle
driver's vision is impaired. The second issue is that this is not
an effective way to extinguish the fire, as it can allow the ve-
hicle to pass over or by areas not completely extinguished. Fire
can then flare up underneath or behind the vehicle and could
cut off escape routes. The FLSC and the iSTWCG strongly rec-
ommend that two fire fighters, each with a hose line, walk
ahead and aside of the vehicle's path, both fire fighters on the
same side of the vehicle (not one on each side), in clear view
of the driver, with the vehicle being driven in uninvolved ter-
rain. This allows the fire fighters to operate in an unhurried
manner, with a clear view of fire conditions and the success of
the extinguishment. Areas not extinguished should not be by-
passed unless follow-up crews are operating behind the lead
unit and there is no danger to escape routes or to personnel.
A.6.3.3 There are instances in which members need to pro-
vide emergency medical care while the vehicle is in motion. In
some situations, the provision of such medical care would not
allow the members to remain seated and secured to the ve-
hicle. Such situations, while they occur infrequently, could in-
clude performing chest compressions during cardiopulmo-
nary resuscitation (CPR). If a vehicle accident were to occur
while an unsecured member was performing necessary emer-
gency medical care, there would be substantial risk of injury to
the member.
A.6.3.4 The following recommendations will assist the user in
implementing 6.3.4:
(1) Hose loading procedures should be specified in a written
standard operating procedure that includes at least the
safety conditions hsted in A.6.3.4(2) through A.6.3.4(7).
All members involved in the hose loading should have
been trained in the.se procedures.
(2) There should be a member, other than those members
loading hose, assigned as a safety obsei-ver. The safety ob-
ser\'er should have an unobstructed view of the hose load-
ing operation and be in visual and voice contact with the
apparatus operator.
(3) Non-fire department vehicular traffic should be excluded
from the area or should be under the control of authorized
traffic control persons.
(4) The fire apparatus can be driven only in a forward direc-
tion at a speed of .5 mph (8 kmph) or le.ss.
(5) No members should be allowed to stand on the tailstep,
sidesteps, running boards, or any other location on the
apparatus while the apparatus is in motion.
(6) Members should be permitted to be in the hose bed but
should not stand while the apparatus is in motion.
(7) Prior to the beginning of each hose loading operation,
the situation should be evaluated to ensure compliance
with all the provisions of the written procedures. If the
written procedures cannot be complied with, or if there is
any question as to the safety of the operation for the spe-
cific situation, then the hose should not be loaded on
moving fire apparatus.
A.6.3.5 The following recommendations will assist the user in
meeting the requirements of the standard:
(1) Tiller training procedures should be specified in a written
standard operating procedure that includes at least the
safety conditions listed in A.6.3.5{2) through A.6.3.5(6).
All members involved in tiller training should have been
trained in the.se procedures.
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-37
(2) The aerial apparatus should be equipped with seating po-
sitions for both the tiller instructor and the tiller trainee.
Both seating positions should be equipped with seat belts
for each individual. The tiller instructor should be per-
mitted to take a position alongside the tiller trainee.
(3) The tiller instructor's seat should be permitted to be de-
tachable. Where the instructor's seat is detachable, the
detachable seat assembly should be structurally sufficient
to support and secure the instructor. The detachable seat
assembly should be attached and positioned in a safe
manner immediately adjacent to the regular tiller seat.
The detachable seat assembly should be equipped with a
seat belt or vehicle safety harness. The detachable seat
assembly should be attached and used only for training
purposes.
(4) Both the tiller instructor and the tiller trainee should be
seated and belted.
(5) The instructor and trainee should wear and use both hel-
met and eye protection if not seated in an enclosed area.
(6) In the event the aerial apparatus is needed for an emer-
gency response during a tiller training se.s,sion, the train-
ing session should be terminated, and all members
should be seated and belted in the approved riding posi-
tions. There should be only one person at the tiller posi-
tion. During the emergency response, the apparatus
should be operated by a ciualified driver/operator.
A.6.3.6 Helmets should be worn by all members in riding
positions in an open cab that does not provide the protection
of an enclosed cab. Helmets are also recommended for mem-
bers riding in enclosed itreas where seats are not designed to
provide head and neck protection in a collision. Properly de-
signed seats, with head and neck protection, alleviate the need
for helmets, and, in some cases, helmets would compromise
the safety of the seats.
A.6.3.7 Primary eye and/or face protection should be issued
to members who might ride in either exposed positions in
open cab apparatus or open tiller seats. Department standard
operating procedures should outline the safety issues associ-
ated with wearing eye protection while driving.
A.6.3.8 Such alternate means of transportation could in-
clude, but not be limited to, other fire apparatus, automobiles,
and/or other personnel carriers.
A.6.4.1 The purpose of this paragraph is to ensure that all
vehicles are inspected on a regular basis and checked for the
proper operation of all safety features. This inspection should
include tires, brakes, warning lights and devices, headlights
and clearance lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The ap-
paratus should iDe started, and the operation of pumps and
other equipment should be verified. Fluid levels should also
be checked regularly.
Where apparatus is in regular daily use, these checks
should be performed on a daily basis. Apparatus stored in un-
attended stations that might not be used for extended periods
should be checked weekly. Any time such a vehicle is used, it
should be checked before being placed back in sei-vice. The
24-horu reference provides for situations in which a vehicle
can be used within the period preceding a scheduled inspec-
tion, although any deficiencies noted in use should be cor-
rected without delay.
The safety equipment carried on fire department vehicles
should be inspected in cotijunction with the inspection of the
vehicle.
A.6.4.4 Applicable federal and state regulations, standards,
or guidelines should be used as a basis for creating the list to
evaluate whether or not a vehicle is safe.
A.6.5.6 See A.6.4.1.
A.7.1.1 The provision and use of protective clothing and pro-
tective equipment should incltide safety shoes, gloves, goggles,
safety glasses, and any other items appropriate to the mem-
bers' activities. This applies to all activities members are ex-
pected to perform, including non-emergency activities. The
applicable regulations pertaining to industrial worker safety
should be consulted to determine the need for protective
equipment in non-emergency activities.
A.7.1.2 The fire department should provide body armor for
all members who operate in areas where a potential for vio-
lence or civil unrest exists.
A.7.1.3 Inspection of protective coats and protective trousers
should be conducted on a frequent basis by members to en-
sure the protective clothing's continued suitability for u.se.
The fire department should inspect all protective clothing at
least annually. The inspection shotild confirm the following:
(1) All materials should be free from tears, embrittlement,
and fraying.
(2) Seams should be intact and show no signs of excessive
wear.
(3) Reflective trim should show no signs of abrasion or loss of
reflectivity due to heat exposiue.
(4) All pockets, knee pads, and other accessory items should
be firmly attached to the garment and show no signs of
excessive wear.
(5) Sleeve and pant cuffs should show no signs of fraying.
(6) The entire garment should be free from excessive dirt
and stains.
(7) Where a fabric color change is noted, a condition that
could be caused by high heat exposure or ultraviolet ex-
posure, the entire area should be checked for loss of tear
strength.
A.7.1.4 Protective clothing ensembles Cim be contaminated by
bodily fluids or other contaminants encoun tered while providing
medical care, or by smoke, soot, hydrocarbons, asbestos, chemi-
cals, or other .substances encountered during fire-fighting and
other operations.
A.7.1.5 Station/work uniforms are required to meet the re-
quirements of NFPA 1975. Because it is impossible to ensure
that every member — whether a volunteer, call, or off-duty
career member — will respond to an incident in a station/
work uniform or will change into station/work uniform cloth-
ing before donning protective garments, it is verj' important
that members understand the hazards of some fabrics that
more easily melt, drip, burn, shrink, or transmit heat rapidly
and cause burns to the wearer. Station/work uniforms are re-
quired to meet the requirements of NFPA 1975.
Clothing that is made from 100 percent natural fibers or
blends that are principally natural fibers should be selected
over other fabrics that have poor thermal stability or that ig-
nite easily.
The very fact that persons are frre fighters indicates that all
clothing that they wear should be flame resistaru (as children's
sleepwear is required to be) to give a degree of Sctfety if unantici-
pated happenings occur that expose the clothing to flame, flash,
sparks, or hot substances.
2007 Edition
1500-38
¥IKE DEP/VRTMENT OCCUPATION/VL. SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
A.7.1.7 Protective clothing ensembles can be contaminated by
bodily fluids or other contaminants encountered while providing
medical care, or by smoke, soot, hydrocarbons, asbestos, chemi-
cals, or other substances encountered during fire-Fighting and
other operations.
The fire department should establish procedures for clean-
ing contaminated protective clothing (i.e., turnout gear) and
stadon/work uniforms. This decontamination and cleaning
can be done if the proper washers are available.
Commercial washers are available for the fire service that
allow the cleaning of fire department contaminated protective
clothing and stadon/work uniforms and noncontaminated
items such as bed linens, dish towels, and truck towels.
The proper components of this process include a commer-
cial washer that is front loading, has a stainless steel tub, has a
water temperature greater than 130°F (54°C), and has a pro-
grammed cycle to decontaminate the tub after the cleaning of
contaminated protective clothing and station/work uniforms.
Top-loading residential washers with enamel tubs do not
meet the requirements, nor do commercial washers that the
public has access to, such as those found in laundromats. If
residential washers are going to be utilized for cleaning of
station/work uniforms that are contaminated or potentially
contaminated, separate washers must be utilized. Residential
washers cannot be utilized for cleaning turnout gear. For
proper procedures for cleaning protective clothing and
station/work uniforms, refer to the manufacturers' instruc-
tions, NFPAI851, and NFFA 1581.
A.7.2.1 The fire department should consider providing each
member with two complete sets of structural fire-fighting protec-
tive clothing that meet the requirements of NFFA 1971 whenever
possible. It is not reasonable to expect that a fire department
would have enough stock protective clothing available to all
members in the event that the protective clothing became soiled,
wet, or contaminated during daily activities. Fire fighters pro-
vided with two complete sets of structural fire-fighting protective
clothing can change easily into proper-fitting garments and will
not be unnecessarily exposed or expose the public to contami-
nants. Structural protective clothing that is cleaned and properly
and completely dried before the next use will last longer and
provide greater protection tiian soiled ot damp gamients.
A.7.2.2 Properly fitting protective clothing is important for the
s;tfety of the fire tighter. It is important to understand that all
protective clothing should be correctiy sized to allow for freedom
of movement. Protective garments that are too small or too large
and protective trouser legs that are too long or too shoit ;ire
safety hazards and should be avoided. Protective coat sleeves
should be of sufficient length and design to protect the coat/
glove interface area when reaching overhead or to the side. For
proper fitting of a fire fighter, the protective clothing manufac-
turer should be contacted to provide sizing instructions.
A.7. 2.4.2 Some protective coats, particularly those certified
as part of a protective ensemble with the CBRN option, may
include different inteiface components instead of wristlets to
provide increased integrity against penetration of CBRN ter-
rorism agents.
A.7.3.1 The technical committee's intent is that members uti-
lize the appropriate protective clothing designed specifically
for the type of fire-fighting activities for which the member is
engaged. The type of fire-fighting activity is based upon the
particular fire-fighting techniques used, such as using limited
agents or chemicals, rather than the types of fuels involved.
A.7.4 Fire department personnel invoh'ed in emergency
medical operations should be protected against potential
medical hazards. These hazards include exposure to blood or
other body fluids contaminated with infectious agents such as
hepatitis and human immunodeficiency viruses. The purpose
of emergency medical protective clothing is to shield individu-
als from these medical hazards and conversely to protect pa-
tients from potential hazards from the emergency responder.
Emergency medical gloves are to be used for all patient care.
Emergency medical garments and face protection devices are
to be used for any situation where the potential for contact
with blood or other body fluids is high.
NFPA 1999 covers garments, gloves, and face protection
devices that are designed to prevent exposure to blood or
other body fluids for those individuals engaged in emergency
medical patient care and similar operations. NFPA 1999 speci-
fies a series of requirements for each type of protective cloth-
ing. Garments can be full-body clothing or clothing items such
as coveralls, aprons, or sleeve protectors. For the intended ar-
eas of body protection, the garment must allow no penetra-
tion of virus, offer "liquidtight" integrity, and have limited
physical durability and hazard resistance. Gloves must allow
no penetration of virus, offer "liquidtight" integrity, and meet
other requirements for tear resistance, puncture resistance,
heat aging, alcohol resistance, sizing, and dexterity. Face pro-
tection devices can be masks, hoods, visors, safety glasses, or
goggles. Any combination of items can be used to provide pro-
tection to the wearer's face, principally the eyes, nose, and
mouth. For the intended areas of face protection, these de-
vices must allow no penetration of virus, offer "liquidtight"
integrity, and provide adequate visibility for those portions of
the device covering the wearer's eyes.
A.7.4.2 In order to avoid all potential exposure to infectious
diseases, it is important that all members use medical gloves
when providing patient care. All members who could come in
contact with the patient should use medical gloves.
A.7.4.3 For additional information refer to 29 CFR 191 0.134,
Respiraloij pmleclion; OSHA Enforcement Policy and Proce-
dures for Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis; and Center
for Disease Control and Prevention, "Guidelines for Prevent-
ing the Transmission of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Health-
Care Facilities."
A.7.5 See Annex F, Hazardous Materials PPE Information.
A.7.5.1 NFPA 1991 covers vapor-protective ensembles that
are designed to provide "gaslight" integrity and are intended
for response situations where no chemical contact is permis-
sible. This type of suit is equivalent to the clothing required in
EPA's Level A. The standard specifies a battery of 25 chemicals
and 2 chemical warfare agents, which were selected because
they are representative of the classes of chemicals that are en-
countered during hazardous materials emergencies and ter-
rorism incidents involving chemical agents. Vapor-protective
ensembles should resist permeation by the chemicals present
during a response. Permeation is the movement of chemical
through a material at a molecular level. The effects of perme-
ation are often unobservable. Permeation resistance is mea-
sured in terms of breakthrough time and permeation rate or
the amount of cumulative permeation in the case of chemical
warfare agents. An acceptable material is one where the break-
through time exceeds the expected period of garment u.se and
HFnr
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-39
the measured permeation rate is below the minimum perme-
ation rate used for determining breakthrough time. Chemical
permeation resistance for 1 hour or more against each chemi-
cal in the NFPA 1991 battery is required for primary suit mate-
rials (garment, visor, gloves, footwear, and seams) for testing
of industrial chemicals. Acceptable performance of materials
against chemical warfare agents is determined by measuring
the amount of permeating chemical that passes through the
material within 1 hour. This cumulative permeation is com-
pared against acceptable dose levels that have been estab-
lished for safe tise of protective clothing without effects to in-
dividual wearers. To be certified for any additional chemicals
or specific chemical mixtures, an ensemble must meet the
same permeation performance reqtiirements.
Other performance requirements are included in NFPA 1991
in order to reflect simulated emergency hazardous materials re-
sponse use conditions or conditions that might be encountered
during a terrorism incident involving chemical agents, biological
agents, or radiological particulates. To determine adeqtiate suit
component performance in hazardous chemical environments,
the following tests are required by NFPA 1991:
(1) An ensemble pressiulzation test to check the airtight in-
tegrity of each protective suit
(2) An inward leakage test to demonstrate that the ensemble
prevents the inward leakage of vapors or gases
{?}) An overall suit water penetration test designed to ensure the
suit provides full-body protection against liquid splashes
(4) Penetration resistance testing of closures
(5) Leak and cracking pressure tests for exhaust valves
To ensure that the materials used for vapor-protective suits
will afford adequate protection in the environment where
they will be used, material testing for burst strength, tear resis-
tance, abrasion resistance, flammability resistance, cold tem-
perature performance, and flexural fatigue are also required.
Additional optional criteria based on additional tests are pro-
vided for demonstrating protection against liquefied gases or
chemical flash fires.
A.7.5.1.7 Materials used in vapor-protective ensembles are
tested for limited thermal resistance; however, this testing only
prevents the use of inherently flammable materials. There are
no performance criteria provided in NFPA 1991 to demon-
strate protection of NFPA 1991-compliantvapor-protective en-
sembles during fire-fighting operations. There are no test re-
cjuirements or performance criteria in NFPA 1991 addressing
protection from ionizing radiation, ciyogenic liquid hazards,
or explosive atmospheres.
A.7.5.2 NFPA 1992 covers liquid splash-protective ensembles
or clothing, which are designed to protect emergency re-
sponders against liquid chemicals in the form of splashes, but
not against continuous liquid contact or chemical vapors and
gases. Liquid .splash-protective ensembles or clothing can be
acceptable for .some chemicals that do not present vapor haz-
ards. Essentially, this type of clothing meets EPA Level B needs.
It is important to note, however, that wearing liquid splash-
protective ensembles or clothing does not protect the wearer
from exposure to chemical vapors and gases, since this cloth-
ing does not offer gaslight performance, even if duct tape is
used to seal clothing interfaces. Therefore, where the environ-
ment is imknown or not quantified through monitoring,
where exposures include carcinogens or skin-toxic chemicals
involving chemicals with vapor pressures above 5 mm Hg at
25°C (77°F), or where the splash-protective ensemble or cloth-
ing has not been certified for the chemical expcjsure, an en-
semble compliant with NFPA 1991 should be utilized.
NFPA 1992 specifies a battery of seven chemicals including
liquid chemicals with low vapor pressures with no known skin
absorption toxicit)' or no known or suspected human carcinoge-
nicity, that are representative of the classes of chemicals likely to
be encountered during hazardous materials emergencies.
Chemical-penetration resistiince against the NFPA 1992 battery
of test chemicals is required. Any additional chemicals or specific
chemical mixtures for which the manufacturer is certifying the
suit should meet the same penetration performance require-
ments. Additional optional criteria are provided for demonstrat-
ing protection against chemical flash fires.
Other NFPA 1992 performance requirements include an
overall suit water-penetration test to ensure the suit provides
integrity of the ensemble or clothing against the inward leak-
age of liquids. The standard contains performance criteria to
ensure that the materials used for liquid-splash suits afford
adequate protection in the environment where they will be
used. The test requirements include material testing for burst
strength, tear resistance, flammabihty resistance, abrasion re-
sistance, cold temperature performance, and flexural fatigue
testing.
A.7.5.2.8 There are no performance criteria provided in
NFPA 1992 to demonstrate protection of NFPA 1992-compliant
liquid splash-protective suits dtiring fire-fighting operations.
There are no test requirements or performance criteria in
NFPA 1992 addressing protection from ionizing radiation, bio-
logical, liquefied gas, or cryogenic liquid hazards, from flam-
mable or explosive atmospheres, or from hazardous chemical
vapor atmospheres.
A.7.5.3 CBRN protection is addressed in three standards, in-
cluding NFPA 1991, NFPA 1994, and NFPA 1971. NFPA 1991
provides requirements for the highest level of CBRN protec-
tion, where hazards involving CBRN terrorism agents are most
severe. These include the conditions where the agent has not
been identified, the release is still occurring, and victims in the
area of the release are apparently dead or unconscious. Test-
ing of ensembles for NFPA 1991 requirements is described in
A.7..5.1.
NFPA 1 994 sets requirements for different classes of protec-
tive ensembles for use at incidents involving CBRN terrorism
agents as used by first responders. Class 2 ensembles provide
the highest level of protection against CBRN terrorism agents,
including vapors, liquids, and particulates, and have perfor-
mance consistent with SCBAuse for IDLH conditions. Class 3
ensembles also protect against CBIW^ terrorism agents that
include vapors, liquids, or particulates, but are at conditions of
exposure that are less than IDLH, which would permit the use
of air-purifying respirators (APlis).
There are two primary areas of evaluation: tests for integ-
rity of the ensemble against the hazardous environment, and
tests of the material to demonstrate how it acts as a barrier
against different CBRN terrorism agents. There are three dif-
ferent integrity tests. An inward leakage test is applied to
Class 2 and Cla.ss 3 ensembles using the Man-in-Simulant test
(MIST). This test measures the inward leakage of a surrogate
agent into the clothing while worn by a test subject. The
higher the MIST result or protection factor, the better the
integrity. Class 2 performance has been set for levels that are
consistent based on SCBA use while Class 3 performance is
2007 Edition
1500-40
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
consistent with APR use. MIST does not apply to Class 4 because
these ensembles are not intended to pro\ide chemical protec-
tion. Class 4 protective ensembles provide only biological or ra-
diological particulate protection. A liquid integrity test is applied
to each ensemble. Alonger test is used for Class 2 than for Class 3
and Class 4. The liquid integrity test is applied to Class 4 because
this clothing could be subjected to wet decontamination. For
Class 4, a pardcle integrity test is used where a test subject wears
the ensemble inside a closed environment with fluorescent par-
ticles. Particle leakage is detected using ultrawolet light. This par-
ticle test is not applied to Class 2 and Class 3 because it is believed
that .successful MIST evaluations indicate pardcle holdout. For
material tests, permeation testing as described in A.7.5.1 is used
for Class 2 and Class 3 ensembles. For Class 2, permeation testing
with gases is carried out at levels that are used for CBRN approv-
als of APRs. The liquid chemical permeation tests for Class 2 are
performed using the more rigorous closed-top procedures com-
pared to open-top procedures for Class 3. All ensemble materials
are evaluated for viral-penetration resistance using a bloodborne
pathogen surrogate.
The CBRN option for NFPA 1971 is based on Class 2 perfor-
mance. The same integrity and material barrier reqtiirements
are applied; however, ensemble elements and materials are
.subjected to extensive conditioning involving laundering,
heat exposures, repeated flexing, ancl abrasion prior to testing
integrity and barrier characteristics. The tests are intended to
simulate extensive use of the ensemble prior to encountering
CBRN terrorism agents. (See also A. 7.5.3.6).
A.7.5.3.2 Any response plan involving a biological or weapons
of mass destruction (WMD) biological hazard should be based
on relevant infectious disease or biological safety recommenda-
tions by die Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and other expert bodies.
A.7.5.3.6 The CBRN option for structural and proximity fire-
fighting protective ensembles in NFPA 1971 can only be applied
to complete ensembles of garments, helmet, gloves, footwear,
and hood with a specified SCBA that has been certified by
NIOSH as compliant with the NIOSH Standard fm- Chemical, Bio-
logical, Hadiologiccd, and Nuclear (CBRN) Full Facepiece Air Pmifying
Respiralor (APR). Non-CBRN elements cannot be used with the
CBRN ensemble. CBRN ensembles are only intended to allow
members escape and provide rescue during the escape when
CBRN agents are encoimtered.
A.7.7.1 Fire departments that provide both wildland and
structural fire-fighting services should establish guidelines for
members on which ensemble to wear for a given fire-fighting
or other emergency incident.
A.7.7.3 Fire shelters are no longer addressed in NFPA 1977.
Specifications for fire shelters are provided in USDA Forest
Service Specification 5100-606, Shelter Fire.
A.7.8.3.1 NIOSH provides nine classes of particulate filters
(three classes of filter efficiency — 95 percent, 99 percent, and
99.97 percent), each with three categories of resistance to fil-
ter efficiency degradation (N, R, and P) . Additionally, perfor-
mance against toxic industrial gases, vapors, and certain
CBRN agents are also specified by NIOSH.
A.7.8.3.2 APRs and PAPRs do not supply oxygen. Use should
be limited to known contaminants and known exposure levels
and used only in adequately ventilated areas. APRs and PAPRs
cannot be used when concentrations of contaminants are un-
known, or when appropriate exposure limit is not known, or
when cartridge or filter service life is unknown.
A.7.9.1.1 Selection of respiratory protection devices is an im-
portant function, particularly where resources are limited and
respirators have to be used for different applications with dif-
ferent equipment. Urban search and rescue (USAR), CBRN,
confined space, hazardous materials, and other operations
can require different filter elements, SCBA breathing air cylin-
ders, umbifical connections, and features that are easier to
ascertain and coordinate with a selection stage.
A.7.9.4 At least one additional reserve SCBA should be avail-
able at the incident scene for each 10 SCBA in use, to provide
for replacement if a failure occurs.
A.7.9.7 Hazardous atmospheres requiring SCBA can be found
in, but are not limited to, the following operations: structural fire
fighting, aircraft fire fighting, shipboard fire fighting, confined
space rescue, and any incident involving hazardous materials.
A.7.9.8 The required use of SCBA means that the user should
have the facepiece in place, breathing air from the SCBA only.
Wearing SCBA without the facepiece in place does not satisfy
this requirement and should be permitted only under condi-
tions in which the immediate safety of the atmosphere is as-
sured. All members working in proximity to areas where SCBA
use is required should have SCBA on their backs or immedi-
ately available for donning. Areas where the atmosphere can
rapidly become hazardous could include rooftop areas during
ventilation operations and areas where an explosion or con-
tainer rupture could be anticipated.
A hazardous atmosphere would be suspected in overhaul
areas and above the fire floor in a building. Members working
in these areas are required to use their SCBA unless the safety
of the atmosphere is established by testing and maintained by
effective ventilation. With eftxjctive ventilation in operation,
facepieces could be removed under direct supervision, but
SCBA .should continue to be worn or immediately available.
A.7.11.1.2 Manufacturers of fire service SCBA that are NIOSH-
certified and that also meet requirements of NFPA 1981 provide
SCBA with a reasonable level of dependability, if correctly used
and maintained. In those cases where there is a reported failure
of SCBA, a before-use check, a more thorough user inspection
program, or a preventive maintenance program most likely
would have eliminated the failure.
Fire fighters should be thoroughly trained in emergency
procedures that can reverse problems encountered with their
SCBA. Use of the regulator bypass valve, corrective action for
facepiece and breathing tube damage, and breathing direcdy
from the regulator (where applicable) are basic emergency
procedures that should be taught to and practiced by the indi-
vidual user. Fundamental to all emergency procedure training
is the principle of not compromising the integrity of the user's
SCBA, with particular emphasis on not removing the face-
piece for any reason. The danger of compromising the integ-
rity of the SCBA by removing the facepiece in atmospheres
where the quality of air is unknown should be reinforced
throughout the SCBA training program.
It is natural that this same philosophy be adopted when
deahng with the subject of "buddy breathing." The buddy
breathing addressed herein is a procedure that requires com-
promising the rescuer's SCBA by either removal of the face-
piece or disconnection of the breathing tube, as these actions
place the rescuer in grave danger.
The subject of buddy breathing is always a highly emotional
one. Training .should stress that fire fighters should not re-
move the facepiece of the SCBA in a hazardous atmosphere to
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-41
assist a civilian fire victim, thereby exposing themselves to
the toxic atmosphere, but instead rely on the rapid removal
of the victim to a safe atmosphere or to a place of refuge
where the rescuer can obtain further assistance in removing
the victim to fresh air and treatment. However, when a fire
fighter becomes the victim due to exhaustion of the breath-
ing air supply or other impairment, some fire departments
or fire service personnel insist upon engaging in proce-
dures that are extremely difficult at best, even with consis-
tent training in relatively ideal conditions. Virtually all
buddy breathing procedures require compromising the res-
cuer's SCBA and, for this reason, cannot be condoned.
Positive-pressure SCBA has made certain methods of buddy
breathing more complicated, if not impossible.
A key disadvantage in buddy breathing is that it is ex-
tremely difficult for two people to leave the hazardous atmo-
sphere quickly while engaged in buddy breathing, simulta-
neously consuming air at a faster rate. The risk that both
individuals will inhale sufficient products of combusfion to
cause impairment or death is a very distinct possibility.
It is difficult to vmderstiind why buddy breathing advocates
believe that an atmosphere that is deadly for one fire fighter
and causes that fire fighter to become a victim can safely be
breathed by another fire fighter (the would-be rescuer) while
using a buddy breathing procedure.
A scenario involving two fire fighters working at a ware-
house fire provides a graphic example of how buddy breath-
ing can be more hazardous than beneficial to both the rescuer
and the victim. Wliile working in an interior operation at a
warehouse fire, one fire fighter suffered depletion of his
breathing air supply. The other fire fighter commenced buddy
breathing while both attempted to move out of the building.
Unable to make sufficient progress as the first fire fighter was
being overcome, the rescuer left the victim and attempted to
leave the area for help. But because the resetter had inhaled
sufficient products of combustion during the attempted
buddy breathing operation, he collapsed before he cotild exit
the building. He was r&scued by other fire fighters and re-
moved to a hospital before he could relate the circumstances
regarding the first fire fighter. The first fire fighter was found
dead some time later.
If the fire fighter had been trained to remove the victim
completely from the btiilding or from immediate physical
danger if possible, a number of things would have been ac-
complished without endangering the rescuer's life and with
less risk to the victim fire fighter. If the rescuer had not com-
promised his SCBA, he would not have been affected by the
products of combustion, he would have retained a greater air
supply, and he would have either removed the victim fire
fighter by himself or exited the area for additional assistance
and alerted medical help.
The risk of both victim and rescuer exhausting their air
supplies is another scenario associated with buddy breathing.
In this case, what starts out as a rescuer-victim relationship
ends up a victim-victim relationship, as the shared air supply is
exhausted before exiting is pcssible.
The one scenario that does not allow exiting is that in
which two or more persons are trapped and share air supplies
by buddy breathing. In this case, survival is based upon the
time it takes those outside to realize that persons are trapped,
initiate rescue operations, and accomplish rescue. Unfortu-
nately buddy breathing might only provide a simultaneous
ending of multiple lives.
SCBA emergency procedures should be an integral part of
any respiratory protection SCBA program, with written policies
for the removal of victims, both civilian and fire service, from
hazardous atmospheres without compromising the rescuer's res-
piratory protection SCBA for any reason.
Factors that can hmit the need for buddy breathing include
the following:
(1) A strong, well-administered respiratory protection SCBA
program
(2) Emphasis on user testing and inspection of respiratory
protection SCBA
(3) Required before-use and after-use testing and maintenance
(4) Functional preventive maintenance program
(5) Fireground management based upon safe operations
with knowledge of fire development, building construc-
tion, and coordinated fire-fighting operations
(6) Air management training based upon the t)'pe of structtire
the user is entering, which requires the user to be aware of
the distance to exit the structure when the low-air alarm
activates or when necessary to leave the stmcture
(7) Quality breathing air
(8) Personal alert safety system (PASS) devices and portable
radios for interior fire-fighting teams
(9) Thorough training in survival techniques, controlled
breathing, and stress management
(10) Accountability for interior fire-fighting crews
(11) Physical fitness of fire fighters
(12) Use of positive-pressure SCBA that are NIOSH-approved
and that meet the requirements of NFPA 1981
NFPA, ANSI, lAFF, and most SCBA manufacturers do not
recommend buddy breathing because it compromises one or
more SCBA and can icsult in the needless impairment or
death of either the rescuer or the victim, or both.
A.7.11.1.3 The use of long-duration SCBA should be re-
stricted to operations in tunnels and underground structures,
on board ships, and in other situations where the need for this
capability is demonstrated. Weight and stress reduction should
be an objective in the acquisition of new SCBA and when upgrad-
ing currently used SCBA. Weight and other stress factors are ma-
jor contributions to fire fighter fatigxie and injury, and SCBA
should be chosen accordingly.
A.7.11.3.3 Because of the cumulative hazards associated with
the repeated use of filter canisters and cartridges under emer-
gency response conditions, canisters and cartridges that have
been placed in service should be removed, replaced, and dis-
carded after training, regardless of exposure time.
A.7.12.1 Proper respiratoiy protection programs include
provisions for conducting a respirator fit testing to ensure that
the respirator fits the user properly. APRs reduce the user's
exposure by vaiying degrees, depending on the type of respi-
rator used and assuming the respirator user has been properly
fit tested following procedures set forth in 29 CFR 1910.134,
Respiratory protection, and ANSI Z88.2, Practices for Respiratoiy
Protection. An effective face-to-facepiece seal is extremely im-
portant when using respiratoiy protection SCBA. Even a mi-
nor leakage can allow contaminants to enter the facepiece,
even with positive-pressure respiratory protection SCBA. Any
outward leakage will increase the rate of air consumption, re-
ducing the time available for use and safe exit. The facepiece
should .seal tightly against the skin, without penetration or in-
terference by any protective clothing or other equipment. In
those instances where members cannot meet the facepiece
2007 Edition feS
1500-42
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
seal requirement with equipment currently used by the AHJ,
individually fitted facepieces should be provided.
Fit testing is a procedure used to evaluate how well a given
respirator fits a given person by assessing leakage around the
face seal. Without fit testing, persons unknowingly can have
poor face seals, allowing contaminants to leak around the
mask and be inhaled. Poor face seals are due to certain facial
characteristics (facial size, beards, large sideburns, scars, or
other facial uniqueness) that prevent direct contact between
the skin and the sealing surface of the respirator and result in
leakage or inadequate respiratory protection.
Improper use of a respirator or improper fit testing of any
respirator can lead to a false sense of security and possibly
result in injury or death to the user.
A.7.12.4 In quantitative fit testing, the testing machine pro-
vides a numerical value of each test exercise and then a com-
puted fit factor that can be used as a benchmark for future fit
testing the following year. The test subject must obtain at least
a fit factor of 500 for the person to pass the fit test with the full
facepiece. The strip chart that the test machine provides be-
comes the written record, and a computer-generated record
can be done at the same time. There is littie judgment re-
quired by the operator of the fit test other than to make sure
the test subject and the procedures are followed to the letter.
A.7.12.6 A protection factor of at least 10,000 in the positive-
pressure mode is recommended for positive-pressure SCBA.
The quantitative test can be used to determine which face-
pieces fit an individual well and thus aids in selecting the face-
piece that best consen'es the amount of air in the cylinder.
If a satisfactoiy fit catinot be achieved for an individual with
one make of facepiece, another make of the device should be
bought for that member.
WARNING: If a facepiece from one manufacturer is used
on a unit from another manufacturer, the NIOSH approval
will be voided.
A.7.13.3 The following is an excerpt from 29 CFR 1910.134(g):
"(g) Use of respirators. This paragraph requires employers to
establish and implement procedures for the proper use of res-
pirators. These requirements include prohibiting conditions
that may result hi facepiece seal leakage, preventing employ-
ees from removing respirators in hazardous environments,
taking actions to ensure continued effective respirator opera-
tion throughout the work shift, and establishing procedures
for the use of respirators in IDLH atmospheres or in interior
structural firefighting situations.
(1) Facepiece seal protecticm. (i) The employer shall not permit
respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by em-
ployees who have:
(A) Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of
the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve func-
tion; or
(B) Any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece
seal or valve function."
This prohibition applies to any negative- or positive-pressure
personal respiratoiy protection device of a design relying on the
principle of forming a face seal to perform at maximum effective-
ness. A beard growing on the face at points where the seal with
the respirator is to occur is a condition that has been shown to
prevent a good face seal. This is so regardless of w^hat fit test mea-
surement can be obtained. However, if the beard is st>'led so no
hair underlies the points where the SCBA facepiece is designed
to seal with the face, then the employer may use the SCBA to
protect the employee.
A.7.13.6 The user should be able to demonstrate the succes.s-
ful use of an SCBA with contact lenses in a nonhazardous
training environment before being allowed to use them in an
incident. Successful long-term soft contact lens use should be
measured by the ability to wear soft contact lenses for at least
6 months without any problems.
A.7.14.1 Given the considerable amount of stored energy in-
side an SCBA cylinder, cylinders should always be filled using
manufacturers' recommendations and following any existing
NIOSH, CGA, or other regulatory agency guidelines.
Because of the failure during refilling of 11 cyUnders using
aluminum alloy 6351-T6, SCBA cylinders made of this alloy
should be dihgently inspected, both externally and internally,
by properly trained inspectors at least annually
Most of these failed cylinders had not been maintained
properly. Some were being used beyond their DOT-defined
hydrostatic test period. Some had not been retrofitted with a
special neck-ring that the manufacturer had recommended to
reduce the possibility of failure.
For additional information, refer to the United States De-
partment of Transportation (DOT) Research and Special Pro-
grams Administration (RSPA) Safety Advisory Notice of 1994
(Federal Register Vol. 59, July 26, 1994), DOT Safety Advisory
Notice of 1999 (Federal Register Vol. 64, October 18, 1999),
and the NIOSH Respirator User Notice of December 7, 1999.
Several of the ruptured cylinders were made using ;tluminum
alloy 6351-T6. This alloy has been identified ;is being susceptible
to sustained load cracking (SLC) in the neck and shoulder area
of the cylinder. The NIOSH Respirator User Notice of December
7, 1999, states: "It is important to note that only a small percent-
age of cylinders made from aluminum alloy 6351-T6 have actu-
ally been found to exhibit sustained load cracking. Moreover, out
of several million cylinders manufacttired fi-om this alloy by sev-
eral compimies, NIOSH and die U.S. Department of Transportit-
tion (DOT) are aware of only 12 ruptures within the United
States. Eleven of the 12 ruptures occurred during refilling, six of
these 12 ruptures involved SCBA cylinders. Forensic analysis has
detennined that most of these cylinders failed due to SLC failure.
However, in some cases, evidence of other factors such as exter-
nal mechanical damage was also present."
Changes have now been made in materials specification
and design of cylinders. Since 1988, manufacturers have been
using aluminum alloy 6061-T6 in the manufacture of all of
their cylinders and cylinder liners. Alloy 6061-T6 has become
the "standard of the industry" because it is not susceptible to
sustained load cracking.
The failed cylinders belong to a relatively small population
of a particular type of cylinder, and there has been no occur-
rence of cylinder failure during filling of any other type of
SCBA cyhnders. Full-wrapped composite cylinders, which are
predominantly being purchased by the fire .senice at this time,
have been tised since 1988 without failure during refilling.
There is, therefore, reason to believe that these other types of
SCBA cyhnders can continue to be used in the fire service
without risk of failure during filling.
A.7.14.5 To facilitate this, it is recommended that industry
develop an inexpensive, lightweight chamber, or other means,
to provide protection at the fire scene during routine cylinder
filling. There is no current commonly accepted standard or
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-43
specifications for protective enclosures in which to fill SCBA
cylinders. Until such a standard is defined, such equipment
should comply with the standards defined for fragmentation
tanks in NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus.
A number of SCBA manufacturers have developed systems
to quickly fill cylinders. They enable cylinders to be filled while
the user is wearing the SCBA. Even though some of these sys-
tems have been in use without incident for many years, it is felt
that fire fighter and support personnel safety are paramount.
This standard therefore recommends that personnel be pro-
tected when routinely refilling SCBA cylinders.
Until a commonly accepted standard for providing protec-
tion during routine refilling of cylinders is defined, the AHJ
should determine how best to provide protection for its per-
sonnel during roufine cylinder filling.
Without a commonly accepted standard defining a concise
method of protecting personnel during cylinder refilhng, the
AHJ can choose which method best applies to its personnel.
Such protection can consist of refilhng cylinders in an enclo-
sure considered acceptable to the AHJ. The protection can
consist of using a refill system with a safe record of operation,
with no experience of failures or damage to cylinders, sup-
ported by sufficient data, or it can consist of an alternate prac-
tice considered as safe by the AHJ.
A.7.14.6 The possibility exists for catastrophic failure of
SCBA cylinders during refilling.
A.7.15.1 Technology has provided the integration of PASS
devices with SCBA. When the SCBA unit is activated to an
operational mode, the PASS device is activated. Fire depart-
ments are encouraged to utilize this technology. The use of
PASS devices .should be coupled with a solid incident manage-
ment system, a personnel accountability system, and adequate
communications to properly ensure the safety of fire fighters.
A.7.15.2 The mandatory use and operation of a PASS by fire
fighters involved in rescue, fire suppression, or other hazard-
ous duty is imperative for their safety. The primary intent of
this device is to serve as an audible device to warn fellow fire
fighters in the event a fire tighter becomes incapacitated or
needs assistance.
Past fire fighter fatality investigation reports document the
critical need to wear and operate PASS devices when fire fight-
ers operate in hazardous areas. Investigation results show that
fire fighters most often failed to activate the PASS imit prior to
entering a hazardous area. Training and operational proce-
dures are imperative to ensure activation of the PASS when-
ever PASS devices are used.
A.7.16.3 Life safety rope can be significantly weakened by abra-
sion, misuse, contamination, wear, and stresses approaching its
breaking strength, particularly impact loading. Because there is
no approved method to service test a rcjpe without compromis-
ing its strength, rope rescue and training operations should be
carefully obseived and monitored for conditions that could
cause immediate failure or result in undetectable damage to the
rope. If a rope has been tised in a situation that could not be
supenised or where potential damage could have occurred, it
should be removed from service and destroyed.
It is importimt that ropes be inspected for signs of wear by
qualified individuals after each u,se. If indications of wear or
damage are noted, or if the rope has been stressed in excess of
the manufacturers' recommendations or has been impact
loaded, it should be destroyed.
The destruction of the rope means that it should be re-
moved from semce and altered in .such a manner that it could
not be mistakenly used as a life safety rope. This alteration
could include disposal or removal of identifying labels and
attachments and cutting the rope into short lengths that could
be used for utility purposes.
The assignment of disposable life .safety ropes to members
or to vehicles has proven to be an effective system to manage
ropes that are provided for emergency use and are used infre-
quently. Special rescue teams, which train frequently and use
large quantities of rope, should include members who are
qualified to manage and evaluate the condition of their ropes
and determine the Umitations upon their reuse.
A.7.17.1.1 Some examples of primary eye protection are
goggles and safety glasses, as they provide specific and substan-
tial eye protection against penetration and impact. Helmet
faceshields are not primary eye protection, as they do not pro-
vide eye protection and should not be relied upon for eye
protection. Faceshields should be used to protect the face as
secondary protection to primary eye protection. Faceshields
currently are often used incorrectly as the only form of eye
protection. It is evident that when faceshields are exposed to
ultraviolet degradation, abrasion, and products of combus-
tion, they become .scratched, cloudy, opaque, and can be ren-
dered unsei-viceable in a very short period of time. In many
instances, the faceshield is lifted so that the wearer can see
what he is doing, leaving the eyes unprotected and exposed to
the dangers of flying debris. Goggles and other primary eye
devices are more easily protected from damage and also pro-
vide specific protection for the wearer's eyes. There are nu-
merous products on the market to protect the goggles from
damage when stored on the helmet. Users desiring to keep
goggles or eye protection stored on top of the helmets should
consider one of these devices. The SCBA facepiece can pro-
vide both primary eye protection and full-face protection.
A.7.18.1 The use of PPE to limit noise exposure should be
considered as an interim approach until the nofse levels pro-
duced by vehicles, warning devices, and radios can be re-
duced. Protective ear muffs are recommended for fire fighters
due to the difficulties of proper fit and insertion of ear plugs.
Studies in some jurisdictions have indicated that the most
harmful noise exposure can come from radios that are turned
up loud enough to be heard over the noise of engines and
warning devices. Ear muffs are available that provide effective
sound attenuation and rapid donning. They should also be
provided with built-in speakers and volume controls for radio
and intercom communications. Ear muffs should be worn by
operators of noisy equipment (in excess of 90 dBA) at the
scene of incidents as well as during response. In some jurisdic-
tions, traffic regulations could limit the use of hearing protec-
tion by drivers.
The fire apparatus standards reqirire the noise level at any
seated position to be a maximum of 90 dBA when measured as
specified in the standard, without any warning devices in opera-
tion, as the vehicle proceeds at a speed of 45 mph (72 km/h) on
a level, hard, smooth surface road. However, it is recommended
that the specifications for new fire apparatus provide maximum
sound requirements that would allow members to ride in those
vehicles without using hearing-protective devices. A maximum
limit of 85 dBA without audible warning de\ices and 90 dBAwtir
warning devices in operation is recommended. Interior noise lev-
els should be measured with the vehicle in motion at the speed
that produces the highest noise level, up to 55 mph (80 km/h).
All windows should be closed, and the noise level should be mea-
sured in each passenger area.
2007 Edition JiS
1500-44
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY .AND HEALTH PROGRAM
A.7.18.2 When operating in situations where other protective
clothing and equipment are necessary, such as in structural fire
fighting, the interface between hearing protection and other
necessary protection might not be adequately addressed by cur-
rently used devices. For example, ear muffs might not interface
with helmets, and foam plastic ear plugs could be dangerous in a
fire environment due to the potential for melting. In addition, a
reduction in hearing capability in an emergency operations set-
ting could create additional hazards. Effective hearing protection
should also be used during non-emergency activities such as
equipment checks and engine warm-ups. Attention should be
given to conecting the deficiencies through the advent of im-
proved protective devices and through the use of alternate or
improved procedures that create less noise.
A.7.18.3 An effective hearing conservation program should
address the regular audiometric testing of members to iden-
tify hearing lo.ss, the development and implementation of
steps to prevent further hearing loss by members exhibiting
such loss, and the ongoing identification and reduction or
elimination of potentially harmful noise sources in the work
environment. The standards for hearing conservation in-
cluded in 29 CFR 1910.95, Occupational noise exposure, should
be used as a basic minimum approach to this problem.
Any approach to hearing conservation should address per-
sonal protective devices, audiometric testing, and the reduc-
tion of noise exposure that can be achieved by modifying ex-
isting equipment or changing procedures. Examples of
modifications would include moving siren speakers and air
horns down onto front bumpers, responding with windows
closed, and installing soimd-attentiating insulation in cabs of
fire appar-atus. The noise produced by audible warning de-
vices should also be evaluated to determine the most effective
balance between warning value and harmful characteristics.
Some studies indicate that high-low alternating-tone sirens
and lower-pitch air horns could be more effective warning de-
vices and less damaging to hearing.
A long-term approach to hearing conservation should deal
with the purchase of apparatus and equipment that is less
noisy by design, with noise standards included in the specifica-
tions. Improved radio equipment that produces higher clarity
of sound with less output volume should also be considered.
Eor more information on fire department hearing conserva-
tion programs, consult the U.S. Fire Administration publication
FA-118, Fire and Emergeniy Service Hearing Conservation Program
Manual
A.8. 1 .1 For incidents involving wildland fires, see Annex E for
additional safety guidelines.
A.8.1.5 The incident commander should automatically inte-
grate fire fighter safety and survival into the regular command
functions. When this integration occurs, the incident com-
mander promotes fire fighter welfare by performing the stan-
dard job of command. Under fire conditions, the incident
commander is at an extreme disadvantage to perform any ad-
ditional tasks. The safety plan for the incident commander has
to be the regular command plan.
Due to the high number of fire fighter injuries and deaths
attributable to lack of or poor implementation of the safety
function on the incident scene, the incident commander
should recognize the importance of integrating the safety
function into the incident command structure as described in
NFFA1561.
A.8.1.7 Due to the high number of fire fighter injuries and
deaths attributable to lack of or poor implementation of inci-
dent management, incident managers should be familiar with
the use of incident management teams or incident command
team as described in NFPA 1561.
A.8.1.8 The following explains the responsibihties of the in-
cident commander:
(1) The incident commander should always integrate fire
fighter health and safety considerations into the com-
mand proce.ss. This integration ensures that safety will al-
ways be considered and will not be reserved for unusual or
high-risk situations when the incident commander is un-
der a high degree of stress. An incident action plan that
addresses fire fighter safety should be a routine function
of command.
(2) Early evaluation enables the incident commander to con-
sider current conditions in a sUindard manner and then
predict the .sequence of events that will follow. The con-
sideration of fire fighter safety should be incorporated
into this evaluation and forecasting.
(3) Effective communications are essential to ensure that the
incident commander is able to receive and transmit infor-
mation, obtain reports to maintain an awareness of the
situation, and communicate with all component parts of
the incident organization to provide effective .supervision
and controls.
(4) Strategic decisions establish the basic positioning of re-
sources and the t)pes of functions they will be assigned to
perform at the scene of a fire or emergency incident. The
level of risk to which members are exposed is driven by the
strategy; offensive strategy places members in interior posi-
tions where they are likely to have direct contact with the
fire, while defensive strategy removes members from inte-
rior positions and high-risk activities. The attack plan is
based on the overall strategy and drives the tactical assign-
ments that are given to individual or groups of companies/
crews and die specific functions they are expected to per-
form. Risk identification, evaluation, and management
concepts should be incorporated into each stage of the com-
mand process.
(5) Tactical level management component people are com-
mand agents and are able to both monitor companies/
crews at the actual location where the work is being
done (geographic) and to provide the necessary sup-
port (functional). The incident commander uses a
tactical-level management unit as off-site (from the
command post) operational/communications/safety
managers-supei"visors. The incident commander uses
the incident organization along with communications
to stay connected. Some incident management systems
identify tactical-level management components such as
a division or a group for a functional position within the
system, whereas other systems use the term sectors for
either geographical or functional areas. As incidents
escalate, the incident management system should be
utilized to maintain an effective span of control ratio of
not greater than 1 to 7 with an optimum ratio of 1 to 5.
(6) The incident commander should rcjutinely evaluate and
re-evaluate conditions and reports of progress or lack of
progress in reaching objectives. This process will allow the
incident commander to determine if the strategy and at-
tack plans should be continued or revi.sed. The failure to
revise an inappropriate or outdated attack plan is likely tci
result in an elevated risk of death or injury to fire fighters.
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-45
(7) Efl'ective command and control should be maintained
from the beginning to the end of operations, particularly
if command is transferred. Any lapse in the continuity of
command and the transfer of information increases the
risk to fire fighters.
A.8.2.2 The intent of the use of "clear text" for radio commu-
nications is to reduce confusion at incidents, particularly
where iriultiple agencies are operating at the .same incident.
A.8.2.3 Examples of emergency conditions could be "fire
fighter down," "fire fighter missing," "fire fighter trapped,"
"officer needs assistance," "evacuate the building/ area," "wind
shift from the north to south," "change from offensive to de-
fensive operations," "fire fighter trapped on the first floor."
The term mayday should not be used for fireground com-
munications in that it could cause confusion with the term
used for aeronautical and nautical emergencies.
In addition to the "emergency traffic," the fire department
can use additional signals such as an air horn signal for mem-
bers to evacuate as part of their standard operating proce-
dures. Some fire departments have developed an evacuation
signal that consists of repeated short blasts of apparatus air
horns. The sequence of air horn blasts should not exceed
10 seconds in length, followed by a 10-second period of si-
lence, and it is done three times (total air horn evacuation
signal including periods of silence lasts 50 seconds). When
this evacuation signal is used, the incident commander should
designate specific apparatus to sound the evacuation signal
using air horns. The apparatus used should not be in close
proximity to the command post, if possible, thus reducing the
chance of missing any radio messages.
During fire fighter rescue operations, the incident com-
mander should consider implementing the following;
( 1 ) Recjuesting additional resources
(2) Including a medical component
(S) Utilizing staging for resources
(4) Committing the RIC team from standby mode to deploy-
ment
(5) Changing from strategic plan to a high-priority rescue
operation
(6) Initiating a PAR (personnel accountability report)
(7) Withdrawing companies from the affected area
(8) Assigning a rescue officer
(9) Assigning a safety officer
(10) A.ssigning a backup rapid intervention crew/company
(11) Assigning an advanced hfe support (ALS) or basic life
support (BLS) company
(12) Requesting additional command level officers
(13) Requesting specialized equipment
(14) Ensuring that dispatch is monitoring all radio channels
(15) Opening appropriate doore to facilitate egress and access
(16) Requesting additional vertical/horizontal ventilation
(17) Providing lighting at doorways, especially at points of entry
A.8.2.4 Some fire departments can also wish to be provided
with reports of elapsed time-from-dispatch. This method can
be more appropriate for fire departments with long travel
times where significant incident progress could have occurred
prior to the first unit arrival.
A.8.2.4. 1 Common procedure is for the dispatch center to
announce "incident clock is 10 minutes," "incident clock is
20 minutes," "incident clock is 30 minutes," and so forth.
A.8.3.1 The incident commander has the ultimate responsi-
bility for the safety of all fire department members operating
at an incident and for any and all other persons whose safety is
affected by fire department operations. Risk management pro-
vides a basis for the following:
(1 ) Standard evaluation of the situation
(2) Strategic decision making
(3) Tactical planning
(4) Plan evaluation and revision
(5) Operational command and control
A.8.3.2 The risk to fire department members is the most im-
portant factor considered by the incident commander in de-
termining the strategy that will be employed in each situation.
The management of risk levels involves all of the following
factors:
(1) Routine evaluation of risk in all situations
(2) Well-defined strategic options
(3) Standard operating procedures
(4) Effective training
(5) Full protective clothing ensemble and equipment
(6) Effective incident management and communications
(7) Safety procedures and safety officers
(8) Backup crews for rapid intervention
(9) Adequate resources
(10) Rest and rehabilitation
(11) Regular evaluation of changing conditions
(12) Experience based on previous incidents and critiques
When considering risk managenient, fire departments
should consider the following Rules of Engagement after
evaluating the survival profile of any victims in the involved
compartment:
(1) We will risk our lives a lot, in a calculated manner, to save
SAVABLE LIVES.
(2) We will risk our lives a LITTLE, in a calculated manner, to
save SAVABLE property.
(3) We WTLL NOT risk our lives at all for a building or lives
that are already lost.
A.8.3.3 The acceptable level of risk is directly related to the
potential to save lives or property. Where there is no potential
to save lives, the risk to fire department members should be
evaluated in proportion to the ability to save property of value.
When there is no ability to save lives or property, there is no
justification to expose fire department members to any avoid-
able risk, and defensive fire suppression operations are the
appropriate strategy.
A.8.3.5 An incident safety officer should be established at all
major incidents and at any high-risk incidents. The incident
safety officer should be assigned to operate under the incident
commander. Depending on the specific situation, this assign-
ment could require one or more members. If the fire depart-
ment's safety officer is not available or does not have the ex-
pertise necessary for the incident, the incident commander
should assign one or more members that have the expertise to
assume this responsibility. All members should be familiar
with the basic duties and responsibilities of an incident safety
officer.
A.8.3.7 Atropine auto-injectors are used in the military and
have been purchased by many fire departments. Fire depart-
ments that have auto-injectors available for their members
need to provide training on the use of the auto-injector.
2007 Edition Bh
1500-46
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETVAND HEALTH PROGl^M
A.8.4.1 A standard system to account for the identity and as-
signment of each member could be relatively simple when all
members arrive as assigned crews on fire apparatus/The iden-
tity of each crew member should at least be recorded in a
standard manner on the vehicle, and each company officer is
responsible for those members. In fire departments where
members arrive in their own vehicles or assemble at the scene,
a system is required to record the identity of each member
arriving and to organize them into companies or groups with
appropriate supervision. This requires a standard system of
"reporting in" at the incident and becoming part of the orga-
nized system of operations.
A.8.4.10 The personnel accountability system is a method of
maintaining constant awareness of the idendties and location
of all personnel involved in emergency operations. The per-
sonnel accountability system philosophy starts with the inci-
dent command system principles of company unity and unity
of command. These dudes can be fulfilled initially maintain-
ing company accountability by documenting the situation sta-
tus and resource status on the tactical worksheet. Other meth-
ods include command boards, apparatus riding lists, company
personnel boards, and electronic bar-coding systems. These
components can be used in conjunction with one another to
facilitjue the tracking of personnel by both location and func-
tion. The components of the personnel accountability system
should be modular and expand with the size and complexity
of the incident.
At major incidents, this function should be separate from
the role of the incident commander, The function of person-
nel accountability should be assigned to an accountability of-
ficer (resource status and situation status) who is responsible
for maintaining the status of all assigned resources at an inci-
dent. As the incident escalates, this function would be placed
under the planning section.
A.8.4.11 These accountiibility supervisors should work with the
incident commander and tactical-level management component
supervisor to assist in the ongoing tracking and accountability of
members.
A.8,5.1.1 The limitation of emergency scene operations to
those that can be safely conducted by the number of person-
nel on the scene is intended to reduce the risk of fire fighter
death or injury due to understaffing. While members can be
assigned and arrive at the scene of an incident in many differ-
ent ways, it is strongly recommended that interior fire-fighting
operations not be conducted without an adequate number of
qualified fire fighters operating in companies under the su-
pervision of company officers.
It is recommended that a minimum acceptable fire com-
pany staffing level should be four members responding on or
arriving with each engine and each ladder company respond-
ing to any type of fire. The minimum acceptable staffing level
for companies responding in high-risk areas should be five
members responding or arriwng with each engine company
and six members responding or arriving with each ladder
company These recommendations are based on experience
derived from actual fires and in-depth tire simulations and are
the result of critical and objective evaluation of fire company
effectiveness. These studies indicate significant reductions in
performance and safety where crews have fewer members
than the above recommendations. Overall, five member crews
were found to provide a more coordinated approach for
search and rescue and fire-suppression tasks.
During actual emergencies, the effectiveness of compa-
nies can become critical to the safety and health of fire
fighters. Potentially fatal work environments can be created
very rapidly in many fire situations. The training and skills
of companies can make a difference in the need for addi-
tional personnel and in reducing the exposure to safety and
health risks to fire fighters where a situation exceeds their
capabilities.
A.8.5.4 For additional information, see 29 CFR 1910.134,
Respiratory protection.
A.8.5.7 The assembling of four members for the initial fire
attack can be accomplished in many ways. The fire depart-
ment should determine in their response plan the manner in
which they plan to assemble members. The four members as-
sembled for initial fire-fighting operations can include an of-
ficer, chief officer, or any combination of members arriving
separately at the incident.
Members who arrive on the scene of a working structural
fire prior to the assembling of four persons can initiate exte-
rior actions in preparation for an interior attack. These can
include, but are not Mmited to, actions such as the establish-
ment of a water supply, the shutting off of utilities, the place-
ment of ladders, the laying of the attack line to the entrance of
the structure, or exposure protection.
If members are going to initiate actions that would involve
entering a structure because of an imminent life-threatening
situation where immediate action can prevent the loss of life
or .serious injur)', and four members are not yet on the scene,
the members should carefully evaluate the level of risk that
they would be exposed to by taking such action. If it is deter-
mined that the situation warrants such action, incoming com-
panies should be notified so that they will be prepared to pro-
vide necessary support and backup upon arrival.
A.8.5.11 The following examples show how a department
could deploy a team of four members initially at the scene
of a structure fire, regardless of how the team members are
assembled:
(1) The team leader and one fire fighter could advance a
fire-fighting hose line into the IDLH atmosphere, and
one fire fighter and the pump operator become the
standby members.
(2) The team leader could designate the pump operator to
be the incident commander. The team leader and one
fire fighter enter the IDLH atmosphere, and one fire
fighter and pump operator remain outside as the standby
members.
(3) Two fire fighters could advance the hose line in the IDLH
atmosphere, and the team leader and pump operator re-
main outside as standby members.
A.8.5.18 Suidies have shown that the severity of incidents involv-
ing AJRFF can rapidly escalate to catastrophic proportions. If fire
fighting and rescue operations are to be effective, fully iissembled
ARFF companies should be on-scene within the time require-
ments as .specified in NFPA 403, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and
Fire-Fighting Services at Airports. Experience has shown that it is ex-
tremely difficult to assemble personnel who are responding from
separate locations for individual AKFF companies within these
time constraints. It is strongly recommended that the minimum
ARFF company staffing level be three on-duty members respond-
ing on or with each ARFF vehicle.
[i]
NFRT
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-47
It is also recommended that structural fire apparatus re-
sponding in support of ARFF operations should be staffed in
accordance with A.8.5.1.1. (See also NIVA 1710, Standard for the
Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emer-
gency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by
Career Fire Departments.)
A.8.5.19 If advanced life support personnel are available, this
level of service would be preferred. Basic life support is the
minimum acceptable level.
A.8.5.24 Consideration for rescue of members working over,
in, and around water should be addressed by the incident
commander and incident siifety officer within the incident ac-
tion plan.
A.8.6.2 Figure A.8.6.2 shows the concept of control zones.
The hot zone is the area presenting the greatest risks to mem-
bers and will often be classified as an IDl.H atmosphere. The
hot zone can include exclusion zones. Examples of exclusion
zones could be holes in floors, exploswe devices, crime scenes,
and so forth.
The warm zone is a limited-access area for members directly
aiding or in support of operations in the hot zone. Significant
risk of human injury (respiratoiy, exposures, etc.) can still exist in
the warm zone.
The cold zone establishes the public exclusion or clean zone.
There are minimal risks for human injury and/or exposure in
this zone.
Wherever possible, control zones should be identified with
colored hazard tape, signage, cones, flashing beacons, fences,
or other appropriate means. However, because of the nature
or location of the incident, available resources, or other con-
siderations, it might not always be possible or practical to mark
the control zones.
Don't
go here
(danger)
Don't_
go here
(clanger)
Hrt'^pW*'
Warm zone
Cold zone
FIGURE A.8.6.2 Example of Control Zones.
A.8.6.2.2 Members entering the hot zone without an assigned
task are placing themselves at greater risk for no reason. In addi-
tion, they can be increasing die risk of others operating wthin
this zone by creating some confusion.
A.8.7 For additional information on establishing safe practices
at highway incidents, see the NFSIMSC publication, Incident Man-
agement System Model Procedures Guide fhr Highiuay Incidents, the U.S.
Fire Administration publication FA-272, Emergency Vehicle Safety
Initiative, and the U.S. DOT publication, Manual on Uniform Traf-
fic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, Chapter 61.
A.8.7. 5 Warning signs should be placed in the following se-
quence based on the expected on-scene time:
(1) The initial arriving apparatus should deploy the sign as
shown in "Phase A" in Figure A.8.Y.5.
(2) If the incident is expected to tiike longer than 15 to 30 min-
utes, a second .sign should be deployed as shown in "Phase
B" in Figure A.8.7. 5, and the original "Emergency Scene
Ahead" sign should be changed to the appropriate direc-
tional arrow.
A.8.7. 10 Members that operate on roadway incidents should
be provided with vests or garments that ensure proper reflec-
tivity such as a highly retro-reflective vest (strong yellow, green,
and orange).
A..8.7.11 Proper training on traffic control can be obtained
from local or state highway dep;irtments, law enforcement, and
other agencies involved with controlling the roadway traffic.
A.8.8.4 The difficulty in rescuing a downed member or mem-
ber in trouble cannot be overstated. Wliile one crew/company
might sutTice at a single-family dwelling, the act of re,scuing a
member who is lost, trapped, or missing will become increas-
ingly difficult at a large commercial building or high-rise
building.
The ability to rapidly deploy a rapid intervention crew/
company from the command post to an area remote from
the location of the command post can adversely affect the
successful rescue of a member'. Consideration should be
given to assigning a RIC to each point of crew entry at a
commercial building.
For example, if the incident commander has established a
tactical level management component (TLMC) at the front
and rear of a commercial building, consideration should be
given to assigning a RIC to each TLMC. Likewise, at a working
fire in a high-rise building, consideration should be given to
assigning multiple RICs to vertical positions near the area(s)
of operation. At incidents such as the ones described, it could
be desirable for the incident commander to establish a RIC
TLMC comprised of multiple companies, dependent upon
the complexity of the incident.
A.8.9.1 Having a preplanned rehabilitation program that is
applicable to most incident types is essential for the health and
safety of members. The rehabilitation plan should outhne an
ongoing rehabilitation for simple or short-duration incidents
as well as a process to transition into the rehabilitation needs
of a large or long-duration incident.
A.8.9.2 See NFPA 1584, Recommended Practice on the Rehabilita-
tion of Members Operating at Incident Scene Operations and Train-
ing Exercises, for guidelines for implementing incident scene
rehabilitation.
A.8.9.3 Rest should be provided away from potentially toxic
exposures and loud noises, preferably with the opportunity to
dress down and sit down.
Adequate water supplies should allow for up to 1 qt (1 L)
per person for incidents lasting an hour or more. Water must
be potable, such as in sealed individualized plastic botties.
Avoid caffeinated and high-sugar beverages.
2007 Edition
1500-48
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HE.\LTH PROGRAM
4 4 t t
Ambulance, utility,
or media vehicle
(Optional)
Fire apparatus
Phase B
\ i ft
-Ambulance, utility,
or media vetiicle
(Optional)
■ Fire apparatus
Phase A: Install sign after arrival, channelizing devices within 15 minutes of arrival.
Phase B: Install within 15 minutes after arrival of second apparatuses.
FIGURE A.8.7.5 Typical Emet^ency Scene Application.
In hot, humid conditions, and/or where members have been
working hard for more than 40 minutes, a means to actively cool
core body temperature should be provided to prevent heat stress.
Forearm immersion in cool water, misting fans, cooling vests, and
so forth are types of active cooling. For more information on
active cooling, see "Active Versus Passive Cooling During Work in
Warm Environments While Wearing Firefighting Protective
Clothing," by G. A. Selkirk, T. M. McLellan, andj. Wong.
Medical evaluation and treatment in the on-scene rehabili-
tation area should be conducted according to EMS protocols
developed by the fire department in consultation with the fire
department physician and the EMS medical director. If ALS
personnel are available, this level of EMS care is preferred.
The assignment of an ambulance or other support crew to
the rehabilitation function is essential during long-duration
or heavy-exertion incident operations. This crew can assist
with rehabilitation functions as well as be available to provide
immediate life support needs for members.
Food should be made available for longer-duration inci-
dents (more than three hours). If possible, supplied food
should be nutritious. Members should be provided with a
means to wash contaminants from their hands and faces be-
fore relueling.
Weather factors during emergency incidents can impact se-
verely on the safety and health of members, particularly dur-
ing extremes of heat or cold. Where these factors combine
with long-duration incidents or situations that require heavy-
exertion, the risks to members increase rapidly. The fire de-
partment should develop procedures, in consultation with the
fire department physician, to provide relief from adverse cli-
matic conditions.
Typical rehabilitation considerations for operations dining
hot-weather extremes are as follows:
(1) Moving fatigued or unassigned personnel away from the
hazardous area of the incident
(2) Removal of FPE
(3) Ensuring that personnel are out of direct sunlight
(4) Ensuring that there is adequate air movement over per-
sonnel, either naturally or mechanically
(5) Providing for active cooling by using forearm immersion,
misting fans, or other devices proven to quickly and effec-
tively lower a member's core body temperature to avoid
heat stress
(6) Providing personnel with fluid replenishment, especially
water
2007 Edition
ANNEX A
1500-49
(7) Providing medical evaluation for personnel showing signs
or symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
(8) Providing a change of clothing and possibly a change of
protective garments
Typical rehabiUtation considerations for operations during
cold-weather extremes are as follows:
(1) Moving fatigued or unassigned personnel away from the
hazardous area of the incident
(2) Providing shelter from wind and temperature extremes
(3) Providing personnel with fluid replenishment, especially
water
(4) Providing medical evaluation for personnel showing signs
or symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia, or other cold-
related injury
(5) Providing a change of clothing and possibly a change of
protective garments
A.8.9.5 The importance of hydration during wildland flre-
fighting operations cannot be overemphasized. This concept
should be clearly understood and utihzed by all members. A
method of replenishment of this water supply should be in
place to provide 8 qt to 12 qt (8 Lto 12 L) ofwaterper day, per
member.
A.8.10.1 Fire department members should not enter an envi-
ronment where there is ongoing violence, or the threat of vio-
lence such as pereons with weapons, without coordination with
law enforcement personnel. This does not necessarily limit the
ability of cross-trained fire/law enforcement personnel or spe-
cialty trained EMS personnel from entering a violent scene to
assist the law enforcement or fire department responders.
A.8.10.3 Such situations include but are not limited to civil
disturbances, tights, violent crimes, drug-related situations,
family disturbances, deranged individuals, and people inter-
fering with fire department operations.
A.8.10.5 Incidents that appear routine in nature can, after
the arrival of responding crews, turn into a violent or hostile
environment. Astandard commrmication phrase, known only
by commtmications personnel and other responders, can
warn others to the dangers of the situation without triggering
violence or hostilities.
A.9.1.1 Where health, safety, building, and fire codes are not
legally applicable to fire department facilities, steps should be
taken to ensuie that equivalent standards are applied and en-
forced. In the absence of local requirements, the provisions of
NFFA 1, Unijorm Fire Code, NFPA 70, National Electrical Code;
NFPA 101, Life Safely Code, NFPA 5000, Building Construction and
Safety Code, the Uniform Plumbing Code, and the Uniform Me-
chanical Code should be applied. In addition, the workplace
safety standards specified in 29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety
and Health Standards, or an eqinvalent standard should be ap-
plied. Applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabili-
ties Act should be met.
A.9.1.4 The intent is to ensure that members a.ssigned to
these lire department facilities are protected by carbon mon-
oxide detectors, especially in areas where the members are
sleeping. NFPA 720, St(mda,rd for the Installation of Carbon Mon-
oxide (CO) Warning Equipment in Dwelling Units, can sei"ve as a
reference.
A.9.1.5 As new stations are constructed or existing stations
are renovated, a separation between the apparatus floor and
living quarters should be provided.
A.9.1.6 The operation of a fire department requires the stor-
age and indoor operation of fire apparatus that are generally
housed in an enclosed building. The need to keep the appara-
tus and other vehicles ready for immediate service and in good
operating condition, which requires the indoor running of
vehicles for response and routine service/pump checks,
makes storage in an enclosed area, such as an apparatus bay,
necessary. The exhaust from all internal combustion engines,
including diesel and gasoline-powered engines, contains over
100 individual hazardous chemical components that, when
combined, can result in as many as 10,000 chemical com-
pounds. A large majority of the.se compounds are today listed
by state and federal "regulatory agencies as being cancer caus-
ing or suspected carcinogens. The target components listed by
NIOSH/OSHA consist of both hydrocarbon carbon compo-
nents and compounds, which are produced as both gas-phase
and particulate-phase compounds. The gases and particidates,
which are viewed by NIOSH and OSHA as life threatening,
consist of a cancer-causing substance know as polynuclear aro-
matic hydrocarbons (PAHs) . Gases in diesel exhaust, such as
nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, benzene, sul-
fur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and carbon
monoxide, can also create health problems. According to
NIOSH, human and animal studies show that diesel exhaust
should be treated as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing sub-
stance). In accordance with the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemi-
cal Hazards, as it pertains to diesel exhaust, NIOSH recom-
mends that occupational exposure to carcinogens be limited
to the lowest feasible concentration. NIOSH uses OSHA's clas-
sification, outiined in 29 CFR 1990.103, Definitions, which
states in part, "Potential occupational carcinogen means any
substance, or combination or mixture of substances, which
causes an increased incidence of benign and/or malignant
neoplasm, or a substantial decrease in the latency period be-
tween exposure and onset of neoplasm in humans or in one or
more experimental mammalian species as the result of any
oral, respirator)' or dermal exposure, or any other exposure
which results in the induction of tumors at a site other than
the site of administration." This definition also includes any
substance that is metabolized into one or more potential occu-
pational carcinogen by mammals.
A.9.1.9 As part of the fire station inspection program, the
areas around the pole hole and the padding at the bottom of
the pole should be regularly checked to ensure the safety of
members u-sing the pole.
A.9.3 In some jurisdictions, fire department facilities are
maintained by other agencies. In these situations, fire depart-
ments should develop a process to expedite requests for re-
pairs or modifications to the facihty to address safety or health
concerns.
A.10.1.5 If any member, either career or volunteer, reports
for duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any other
substance that impairs the member's mental or physical capac-
ity, this situation cannot be tolerated.
Evidence of substance abuse could include a combination of
various factors such as slurred speech, red eyes, dilated pupils,
incoherence, unsteadiness on feet, smell of alcohol or marijuana
emanating from the member's body, inability to carry on a ratio-
nal conversation, increased carelessness, erratic behavior, inabil-
ity to perform ajob, or other unexplained behavioral changes.
The po.ssibility of liability exists if a member who is under
the infltience of alcohol or drugs is allowed to remain on duty,
2007 Edition fcS
1500-50
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL S.AFETY .«^D HEALTH PROGR.\M
to operate or drive vehicles or equipment on dvity, or to drive a
private vehicle from the duty site. A member who is believed to
be under the influence of alcohol or drugs cannot be allowed
to operate equipment or drive a vehicle, including a private
vehicle, until the condition of the member has been deter-
mined and verified.
A.10.2.1 Fire departments .should consider use of the recruit-
ing, mentoring, and training process found in the physical
performance requirements referenced in the lAFF/lAFC Can-
didate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Manual.
A.10.4.1 The health data base for a fire department should
include the reports of regular physical evaluations, injury and
illness reports, health exposures, and any supporting informa-
tion that could be useful in tracking, analyzing, or predicting
the health effects of various events on individuals or the
group. This process should comply with the medical record-
keeping requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous waste
operations and emergency response.
A.10.4.3 This information should be managed in a manner
that respects the confidentiality of doctor-patient relation-
ships. Electronic data processing is often employed to facili-
tate management of such a data base.
A.10.4.4 The fire department should try to obtain autopsy
or other medical information for all deceased employees or
former employees. This information could be useful in es-
tablishing relationships between occupational factors and
resulting fatalities at some time in the future. Autopsies for
fire fatalities should be conducted and recorded according
to a standard protocol.
A. 10.5.1 Where fire department members routinely respond
to emergency medical incidents, the fire department should
consult with medical professionals and agencies on measures
to limit the exposure of members to infectious and contagious
diseases. This should include the provision and maintenance
of equipment to avoid or limit direct physical contact with
patients, when feasible.
A,10.6.3 A fire department physician should have specific
expertise and experience relating to the needs of tire de-
partment members and a thorough knowledge of the physi-
cal demands involved in emergency operations. If possible,
the fire department physician should be a specialist in the
field of occupational medicine.
A. 10.6.4 Depending on the size and the needs of a fire de-
partment, the fire department physician might or might not
be required on a fuU-fime basis. Afire department should have
a primary reladonship with at least one officially designated
physician. This physician can serve as the primary medical
contact and, in turn, deal with a number of other physicians
and specialists. A large fire department can designate more
than one fire department physician or might determine that a
relationship with a group practice or multiple-provider system
is more appropriate to its needs. In any case, the option to
consult with a physician who is particularly aware of the medi-
cal needs of fire department members and who is available on
an immediate basis should exist.
A.11.1.1 The fire department member a.ssistance program
does not have to be financed by the fire department. Many
community/county/state mental health agencies provide
such services free of charge or at a nominal fee. The fire de-
partment need have only the ability to identify when such
problems exist and be able to offer confidential referrals to a
professional who will provide the counseling. Although mem-
ber assistance programs differ from one another in various
ways according to the particular needs and resources of indi-
vidual fire departments, member organizations, and mem-
bers, there are certain components that are found in all qual-
ity programs. The following program standards set forth by
the Association of Labor-Management Administrators and
Con.sultants on Alcoholism (ALMACA) address these pro-
gram components and are strongly recommended:
(1) The physical location of the member assistance program
should facilitate easy access while ensuring confidentiality'.
(2) There should be a review of medical and disability ben-
efits to ensure that plans adequately cover appropriate
diagnosis and treatment for alcohol, drug, and mental
health problems. Where feasible, coverage should in-
clude outpatient and day treatment care.
(3) The member assistance program staff should be familiar
with the provisions of the medical and disability benefit
plans so they can adwse clients clearly as to the extent,
nature, and co.st of the recommended treatment and the
reimbursement available.
The member assistance program staff should combine the
following two primary qualifications:
(1) Appropriate managerial and administrative experience
(2) Skills in identifying problems, interviewing, motivating,
referring clients, and, where appropriate, in counseling
or related fields (Experience and expertise in dealing
with alcohol-related problems is strongly recommended.)
It is important that members and their families are in-
formed about the member assistance program and the ser-
vices it offers and are continually updated on its existence,
availability, and confidentiality. Information about the mem-
ber assistance program should be made available to all new
members and their families. The member assistance program
should maintain current information about alcoholism treat-
ment services and other resources. These resources include
Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen, and other self-help
groups; appropriate health care; community services; and
other professionals. Information about referral procedures,
costs, and other relevant factors should be available. Profes-
sionally trained individuals should be immediately available to
assist members involved in traumatic incidents to reduce or
deal with the effects of psychological stress. There should be a
periodic review of the member assistance program to provide
an objective evaluation of operation and performance. There
should be an annual review of member assistance program
staff performance.
A.11.1.3 The policy statement should acknowledge that alco
holism is a disease responsive to treatment and rehabilitation,
and it should specify die responsibilities of management, mem-
ber organizations, and members as they relate to the program.
The member assistance program should not in any way alter
management authority or responsibilities or the prerogatives of a
member organization. Participation in the member assistance
program should not affect future service or career advancement,
nor should participation protect the member from disciplinaiy
action for continued substandardjob performance or rule infrac-
tions. Sponsorship of the program by management and the
member organization is highly desirable.
2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-51
A.11.1.4 Adherence to federal regulations on confidentiality
of alcohol and other drug abuse records is required of pro-
grams receiving federal funds, directly or indirectly.
A.11.2.1 Health promotion should include, but not be lim-
ited to, the following activities: career guidance, family orien-
tation, and educational programs on topics such as weight
control, healthy heart, hypertension, stress management, nu-
trition, preventive medicine, substance abuse, smoking cessa-
tion, and retirement planning. For additional guidance in the
implementation and management of the stress management
component of a member assistance program, consult the U.S.
Fire Administration publication FA-100, Stress Managermnl
Model Program for Mainkdning Firefighter Well-Being.
A.11.2.2 The fire department should develop a policy on the
use of tobacco products for all members. The fire department
should also develop a policy on the acceptance of new mem-
bers into the fire department with regard to the u.se of tobacco
products.
A.12.1.2 Fire fighters frequently experience trauma, death,
and sorrow. Critical incident stress is a normal reaction expe-
rienced by normal people following an event that is abnormal.
The emotional trauma can be serious. It can break through a
person's defenses suddenly, or slowly and collectively, .so that
the person can no longer function effectively. Critical incident
stress is the inevitable result of tratnna experienced by fire
service personnel. It cannot be prevented, but it can be re-
lieved. Experiencing emotional aftershocks following a trau-
matic event is a very normal reaction and should not be per-
ceived as evidence of weakness, mental instability, or other
abnormality. Symptoms can appear immediately after the inci-
dent, hours later, or sometimes even days or weeks later. The
symptoms can last for a few days, weeks, or months. Occasion-
ally a professional counselor could be needed. Knowing the
signs and symptoms and how to respond to them after the
occurrence of a critical incident can greatly reduce the chance
of more severe and long-term stress. Rapid intervention, talk-
ing about the situation, and reassuring that these are normal
reactions and feelings can help prevent more serious prob-
lems later on, such as family and marital problems. To provide
this intervention, the fire department should have access to a
critical incident debriefing (CID) team. The main objective of
the CID team is to lessen the impact of the critical incident,
piU it into the proper perspective, and help maintain a healthy
outlook. The CID team should consist of other fire fighters,
support personnel, and mental health professionals specifi-
cally trained in stress-related counseling. The team should be
well represented by all types of members whether volunteer,
call, or career, and by all ranks. All members should have a
minimum of a two-day training seminar with continuing edu-
cation in stress-related training as an ongoing part of the
team's regular meetings. (Monthly meetings are recom-
mended for active departments, while quarterly meetings
could be sufficient for less-active departments.) Any individual
should be able to initiate the debriefing procedure simply by
contacting his/her supervisor or officer or the dispatch cen-
ter. A contact list of the debriefing team members should be
available in the dispatch center. Debriefmgs should be held
for incidents that have the potential for having a stressful im-
pact on members. It is important to remember that an event is
traumatic when experienced as such. Generally, debriefmgs
should be held at a station within 1 to 3 hours after the inci-
dent. Debriefmgs should encourage brief discussions of the
event, which in themselves help to alleviate a good deal of the
stress. Debriefings are strictly confidential and are not a cri-
tique of the incident. Information should be given on stress
reactions and steps that members can take to relieve the symp-
toms so that they can continue their normal activities as soon
as the debriefing is over. Some common signs and symptoms
of critical incident stress are fatigue, headaches, inability to
concentrate, anxiety, depression, inappropriate emotional be-
havior, intense anger, irritability, withdrawal from the crew
and/or family, change in appetite, increased alcohol con-
sumption, and a change in sleeping patterns. To help alleviate
some of the emotional pain, members can rest more, contact
friends, maintain as normal a schedule as possible, eat well-
balanced and scheduled meals, keep a reasonable level of ac-
tivity to fight boredom, express feelings, and talk to loved
ones. Recent studies and research also indicate that exercise,
especially soon after an event, can greatly reduce mental pain.
Member assistance programs should always be available to
members. The CID team is often the first step in providing the
help that is needed and should be ready to ser\'e to help mini-
mize stress-related injury.
Annex B Monitoring Compliance with a Fire Service
Occupational Safety and Health Program
This annex is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document
but is included for informational purposes only.
B.l The purpose of this standard is to specify the minimum
requirements for an occupational safety and heafth program
for a fire department (see 1.2. 1). Further, paragraph 1 .2.4 .says
that nothing in the standard is intended to restrict any jurfs-
diction from exceeding the minimum requirements stated in
the standard. Section 1.5 requires that when the standard is
adopted by a jurisdiction, the authority having jurisdiction
shall set a date or dates for achieving compliance with the
requirements of this standard. As part of that adoption, the
fire department is required to adopt a risk management plan
that includes a written plan for compliance with this standard.
B.2 The worksheet (see Figure B.2) in this annex was developed
to provide a template for fire departments that are beginning
implementation of an occupational s;ifety and health program or
that are evaluating the current status of their programs.
B.3 This worksheet provides a tool for assessing the yearly
progress of the program and for developing a fiscal policy plan
to achieve compliance with the applicable requirements of the
standard. In the second column, the u.ser can record the per-
centage of compliance with a specific requirement, whether
just getting started, about 50 percent complete, or in full com-
pliance. The remarks can indicate factors that are affecting
achieving compliance, whether they are financial, administra-
tive, or in need of legislative action. Where compliance will
cost money, the third column can be used to record an esti-
mate of the cost to comply. Again the remarks can indicate
whether this is an operating budget or a capital planning
budget-type expense. The fourth column allows for indicat-
ing an expected or anticipated compliance date. Any addi-
tional remarks or changes should be included in the last col-
umn for explanatory purposes. This is not a "one size fits all"
worksheet and should be modified or expanded to meet the
user's needs.
2007 Edition
1500-52
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET
Fire Departmfint: Date:
Person(s) Completing Worksheet
Name: Title:
Name- Title:
Name: Title:
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 1 Administration
1.4 Equivalency
1.4.1 Equivalency levels of
qualifications
1.4.2 Training, education, competency,
safety
Chapter 4 Organization
4.1 Fire Department Organizational
Statement
4.1.1 Written statement or policy
4.1.2 Operational response criteria
4.1.3 Statement available for
inspection
4.2 Risk Management Plan
4.2.1 Written risk management plan
4.2.2 Risk management plan coverage
4.2.3 Risk management plan
components
4.3 Safety and Health Policy
4.3.1 Written fire department
occupational safety and
health policy
4.3.2 Program complies with
NFPA 1500
4.3.3 Evaluate effectiveness of plan
4.4 Roles and Responsibilities
4.4.1 Fire department responsibility
4.4.2 Comply with laws
4.4.3 Fire department rules,
regulations, and SOPs
4.4.4 Accident investigation procedure
4.4.5 Accidents and illnesses
investigated
4.4.6 Individuals cooperate, participate,
and comply
© 2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1500 (p. 1 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Fire Service Occupational Safety and Health Program Worksheet.
2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-53
NFPA 1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 4 Organization (continued)
4.4.7 Member has right to be protected
and participate
4.4.8 Member organization role
4.5 Occupational Safety and Health
Committee
4.5.1 Establish committee
4.5.2 Committee purpose
4.5.3 Regular meetings
4.6 Records
4.6.1 Accidents, injury, illness,
exposures, death records
4.6.2 Occupational exposures
4.6.3 Confidential health records
4.6.4 Training records
4.6.5 Vehicles and equipment records
4.7 Appointment of the Health and
Safety Officer
4.7.1 Appointed by fire chief
4.7.2 Meets qualifications
4.7.3 Given authority to administer
program
4.7.4 Performing functions in
NFPA 1521
4.7.5 Managing occupational safety
and health program
4.7.6 Additional safety officers and
resources available
Chapter 5 Training, Education, and Professional Development
5.1 General Requirements
5.1.1 Establish and maintain safety
and health training
5.1.2 Training commensurate with
duties and functions
5.1.3 Training and education programs
for new members
5.1.4 Restrict the activities of new
members
5.1.5 Training on the risk management
plan
5.1.6 Training on department's written
procedures
5.1.7 Training for emergency medical
services
©2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA1500(p. 2of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition in
1500-54
FIRE DEPAliTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGl^iAM
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference In Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 5 Training, Education, and Professional Development (continued)
) 2006 National Fire Protection Association
FIGURE B.2 Continued
5.1.8 Training on operation, limitation,
maintenance, and retirement
criteria for personal protective
equipment
5.1.9 Maintaining proficiency in skills
and knowledge
5.1.10 Training includes safe exiting
and accountability
5.1.11 Training includes incident
management and accountability
system used by the fire
department
5.2 Member Qualifications
5.2.1 Fire fighters meet NFPA 1001
5.2.2 Drivers/operators meet NFPA 1002
5.2.3 Airport fire fighters meet
NFPA 1003
5.2.4 Fire officers meet NFPA 1021
5.2.5 Wildland fire fighters meet
NFPA 1051
5.2.6 Hazardous materials responders
trained to at least operations
level per NFPA 472
5.3 Training Requirements
5.3.1 Adopt or develop training and
education curriculums
5.3.2 Training supports minimum
qualifications and certifications
of members
5.3.3 Members practice assigned skill
sets on a regular basis but not
less than annually
5.3.4 Training for members when
written policies, practices,
procedures, or guidelines are
changed
5.3.5 SCBA training program per
NFPA 1404
5.3.6 Wildland fire fighters trained
at least annually in the proper
deployment of fire shelter
5.3.7 Live fire training in accordance
with NFPA 1403
5.3.8 Supervised training
5.3.9 Emergency medical services
training
NFPA1500(p. 3of 18)
2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 5 Training, Education, and Professional Development (continued)
5.3.10 Training on care, use, inspection,
maintenance, and limitations
of the protective clothing and
equipment
5.3.11 Incident management training
to NFPA 1561
5.3.12 Infectious disease control
training to NPPA 1581
5.4 Special Operations Training
5.4.1 Advanced training for special
operations
5.4.2 Train members for support to
special operations
5.4.3 Technician level for hazardous
materials mitigation
5.4.4 Rescue technician training to
NFPA 1006 when required
5.5 Member Proficiency
5.5.1 Proficiency of members
5.5.2 Monitor training progress
5.5.3 Annual skills check
Chapter 6 Fire Apparatus, Equipment, and Drivers/Operators
6.1 Fire Department Apparatus
6.1.1 Safety and health concerns
related to fire apparatus
6.1.2 New fire apparatus meets
NFPA 1901
6.1.3 New wildland fire apparatus
meets NFPA 1906
6.1.4 New marine fire-fighting vessels
meet NFPA 1925
6.1.5 Tools, equipment, and SCBA
properly secured
6.1.6 Apparatus refurbished per
NFPA 1912
6.1.7 Restraints and harnesses for
aircraft operations
6.2 Drivers/Operators of Fire
Department Apparatus
6.2. 1 Successful completion of approved
driver training
6.2.2 Complies with traffic laws
including having valid driver's
licenses
©2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA1500(p. 4of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition
1500-56
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGlU_M
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
)2006 National Fire Protection Association
nGUREB.2 Continued
Chapter 6 Fire Apparatus, Equipment, and
Drivers/Operat
ors (continued)
6.2.3 Rules and regulations for
operating fire department vehicles
6.2.4 Drivers are responsible
6.2.5 All persons secured
6.2.6 Drivers obey all traffic laws
6.2.7 SOPs for non-emergency and
emergency response
6.2.8 Emergency response, drivers
bring vehicle to a complete stop
6.2.9 Proceed only when safe
6.2.10 Stop at unguarded railroad
grade crossings
6.2.11 Use caution at guarded railroad
grade crossings
6.2.12 SOPs — engine, transmission
and driveline retarders
6.2.13 SOPs — manual brake limiting
valves
6.2.14 Rules and regulations for private
vehicles for emergency response
6.3 Riding in Fire Apparatus
6.3.1 Tail steps and standing prohibited
6.3.2 Seat belts not released while the
vehicle is in motion
6.3.3 Secured to vehicle while perform-
ing emergency medical care
6.3.4 Hose loading operations
6.3.5 Tiller training
6.3.6 Helmets for riding in unenclosed
areas
6.3.7 Eye protection for riding in
unenclosed areas
6.3.8 Alternative transportation
6.4 Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair
of Fire Apparatus
6.4.1 Apparatus inspected at least
weekly or within 24 hours after
any use
6.4.2 Preventive maintenance program
6.4.3 Fire apparatus inspection,
maintenance, and repair per
NFFA 1915
6.4.4 Estabhsh Ust of defects to declare
vehicle unsafe
NFPA1500(p. 5of IE
\M 2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-57
NFPA 1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 6 Fire Apparatus, Equipment, and
Driver/Operators (continued)
6.4.5 Emergency vehicle technicians
meet NFPA 1071
6.4.6 Pumpers service tested per
NFPA 1911
6.4.7 Aerial ladders and elevating
platforms tested per NFPA 1914
6.4.8 Apparatus and equipment
disinfected per NFPA 1581
6.5 Tools and Equipment
6.5.1 Safety and health are primary
concerns
6.5.2 Hearing conservation
6.5.3 New 6re department ground
ladders meet NFPA 1931
6.5.4 New fire hose meets NFPA 1961
6.5.5 New spray nozzles meet
NFPA 1964
6.5.6 Equipment inspected at least
weekly and within 24 hours after
any use
6.5.7 Records maintained for the
equipment
6.5.8 Tested at least annually
6.5.9 Defective or unserviceable
equipment removed from service
6.5.10 Tools and equipment cleaned
per NFPA 1581
6.5.11 Fire department ground ladders
tested per NFPA 1932
6.5. 12 Fire hose inspected and tested
per NFPA 1962
6.5.13 Portable fire extinguishers in-
spected and tested per NFPA 10
6.5.14 Powered rescue tools meet
NFPA 1936
Chapter 7 Protective Clothing and Protective Equipment
7.1 General
7.1.1 Fire department provides PPE
7.1.2 Use of PPE
7.1.3 PPE cleaned every 6 months per
NFPA 1581
7.1.4 Proper cleaning
7.1.5 Where worn, station work
uniforms meet NFPA 1975
©2006 National Fire Protection Association
FIGURE B.2 Continued
NFPA 1500 (p. 6 ofl 8)
2007 Edition
[i]
HFnr
1500-58
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEM,TH PROGRAM
NFPA 1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 7 Protective Clothing and Protective Equipment (continued)
7.1.6 Clothing considered thermally
unstable not worn
7.1.7 Laundry service available for
contaminated clothing
7.2 Protective Clothing for Structural
Fire Fighting
7.2.1 Protective clothing meets
NFPA 1971
7.2.2 Minimum 2 in. (50 mm) overlap
of all protective clothing layers
7.2.3 Overlap not required on single-
piece protection coveralls
7.2.4 Gloves have proper interface
7.2.5 Program in place for selection,
care, maintenance, and use of
protective clothing
7.2.6 Require all members to wear
appropriate protective ensemble
7.3 Protective Clothing for Proximity
Fire-Fighting Operations
7.3.1 Proximity fire-fighting protective
equipment meeting NFPA 1971
provided and used
7.3.2 Minimum 2 in. (50 mm) overlap
of all protective clothing layers
7.3.3 Overlap not required on single-
piece protection coveralls
7.3.4 SCBA protected
7.4 Protective Clothing for Emergency
Medical Operations
7.4.1 Emergency medical protective
clothing meeting NFPA 1999
provided and used
7.4.2 Members use emergency medical
gloves
7.4.3 NIOSH-approved Type C
respirators provided for exposure
to airborne infectious disease
7.4.4 Members use emergency medical
body and face protection
7.4.5 Infection control program for
EMS protective clothing meets
NFPA 1581
)2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA1500(p. 7of 18)
FIGURE B. 2 Continued
im 2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-59
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 7 Protective Clothing and Protective Equipment (continued)
7.5 Chemical-Protective Clothing for
Hazardous Material Emergency
Operations
7.5.1 Members have and use vapor-
protective garments that meet
NFPA 1991 when appropriate
7.5.2 Members have and use liquid
splash-protective garments that
meet NFPA 1992 when appropriate
7.5.3 Members have and use appropriate
protective ensemble for CBRN
terrorism incidents
7.6 Inspection, Maintenance, and
Disposal of Chemical-Protective
Clothing
7.6.1 Inspected and maintained per
manufacturer's recommendation
7.6.2 Dispose of contaminated garments
7.7 Protective Clothing and Equipment
for Wildland Fire Fighting
7.7.1 SOPs for use of protective clothing
7.7.2 Protective clothing that meets
NFPA 1977 provided and used
7.7.3 Primary eye protection that meets
NFPA 1977 provided and used
7.7.4 Fire shelter provided and worn
properly
7.8 Protective Ensemble for Technical
Rescue Operations
7.8.1 Technicalrescue protective
clothing meeting NFPA 1951
provided and used
7.8.2 Minimum 2 in. (50 mm) overlap
of all protective clothing layers
7.8.3 Respiratory protection certified
by NIOSH provided and used
7.8.4 Primary eye protection that meets
NFPA 1951 provided and used
7.8.5 Protective clothing used and
maintained per manufacturer's
instructions
7.9 Respiratory Protection Program
7.9.1 Respiratory protection program
addresses the selection, care,
maintenance, and use
7.9.2 SOPs address respiratory
protection
© 2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1500 (p. 8 oil 8)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition feS
1500-60
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGl^M
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 7 Protective Clothing and Protective Equipment (continued)
7.9.3 Members qualified at least
annually in use
7.9.4 Reserve SCBA provided and
maintained
7.9.5 Adequate reserve air supply
7.9.6 Equipment stored ready-for-use
and properly protected
7.9.7 SCBA provided that meets
NFPA 1981 and required to be
used
7.9.8 Members understand keeping
facepiece in place
7.10 Breathing Air
7.10 Breathing air meets NFPA 1989
7.11 Respiratory Protection Equipment
7.11.1 SCBA meet appropriate
standards
7.11.2 Supplied-air respirators
appropriate for intended
application
7.11.3 Air-purifying respirators NIOSH
certified with policy for use
7.12 Fit Testing
7.12.1 Quantitative fit test annually
7.12.2 New members fit tested before
permitted in hazardous
atmospheres
7.12.3 Respirators quantitative fit
testing in negative pressure
mode
7.12.4 AHJ-required test protocols
7. 12.5 Records of facepiece fitting test
7. 12.6 Protection factor at least 500
for negative-pressure facepieces
7.13 Using Respiratory Protection
7.13.1 Facepiece-to-face seal required
7.13.2 Nothing passes through area
of seal
7.13.3 No beard and facial hair in
area of seal
7.13.4 Spectacles fitted to inside of
facepiece
7.13.5 Spectacle strap or temple bars
prohibited
7.13.6 Contact lenses permitted
©2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA1500(p. 9of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-61
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 7 Protective Clothing and Protective Equipment (continued)
7.13.7 Head covering breaking seal
prohibited
7.13.8 SCBA faceplece/head harness
worn under protective hood
7.13.9 SCBA facepiece/head harness
worn under hazardous chemical-
protective helmet
7.13.10 Helmet does not interfere with
the facepiece-to-face seal
7.14 SCBA Cylinders
7.14.1 Inspected annually
7.14.2 Hydrostatic test cylinders
7.14.3 In-service SCBA cylinders
stored charged
7.14.4 In-service SCBA cylinders
inspected weekly, monthly, and
prior to filling
7.14.5 Personnel protected during
SCBA cyhnder filling
7.14.6 Unique situations for rapid
filling identified
7.14.7 Risk assessment process used to
identify rapid filling situations
7.14.8 Rapid refilling of SCBA on
person limited
7.14.9 Emergency situation for air
transfer permitted
7.14.10 TransfiUing per manufacturer's
instructions
7.15 Personal Alert Safety Systems
(PASS)
7.15.1 PASS meet NFPA 1982
7. 15.2 New SCBA have integrated
PASS
7.15.3 Members provided with and
use PASS device
7.15.4 Tested at least weekly and
prior to use
7.16 Life Safety Rope and System
Components
7.16.1 Life safety rope and system
components meet NFPA 1983
7.16.2 Life safety rope used for other
purposes removed from service
7.16.3 Reuse of life safety rope only
after evaluation
© 2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1500 (p. 10 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition
1500-62
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 7 Protective Clothing and Protective Equipment (continued)
7.16.4 Rope inspection by qualified
person
7.16.5 Records document each life
safety rope use
7.17 Face and Eye Protection
7.17.1 Eye protection appropriate for
hazard provided and used
7.17.2 SCBA facepiece used as primary
face and eye protection
7.17.3 Prim ary eye protection used
when full facepiece not used
7.18 Hearing Protection
7.18.1 Provided and used when
apparatus noise in excess of
90dBA
7.18.2 Provided and used when tool
and equipment noise in excess
ofgOdBA
7.18.3 Hearing conservation program
7.19 New and Existing Protective
Clothing and Protective Equipment
7.19.1 New PPE meets current
standards
7.19.2 Existing PPE shall have met
standards when manufactured
7.19.3 PPE taken out of service after
15 years
Chapter 8 Emergency Operations
8.1 Incident Management
8.1.1 Prevent accidents and injuries
8.1.2 Incident management system in
writing and meets NFPA 1561
8.1.3 IMS used at all emergency
incidents
8.1.4 IMS applied to drills, exercises,
and training
8.1.5 Incident commander responsible
for safety
8.1.6 Incident safety officer assigned
when needed
8.1.7 Span of control
8.1.8 Incident commander's
responsibility
© 2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1500 (p. 11 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
\M 2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-63
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 8 Emergency Operations (continued)
8.2 Communications
8.2.1 Dispatch and incident
communication systems meet
NFPA 1561 and NFPA 1221
8.2.2 SOPs for use of clear text radio
messages
8.2.3 Procedures for emergency traffic
8.2.4 Incident clock used
8.3 Risk Management During
Emergency Operations
8.3.1 Risk management integrated in
incident command
8.3.2 Risk management principles used
8.3.3 IC evaluates risk to members
8.3.4 Risk management principles
routinely employed by supervisors
8.3.5 Incident safety officer with proper
expertise appointed
8.3.6 Protective equipment appropriate
for CBRN exposure
8.3.7 Consider providing atropine for
nerve agents
8.4 Personnel Accountability During
Emergency Operations
8.4.1 Written SOPs for personnel
accountability
8.4.2 Local conditions and character-
istics considered
8.4.3 Members actively participate
8.4.4 IC maintains awareness
8.4.5 TLMC officers supervise assigned
companies/crews
8.4.6 Company officers responsible for
members
8.4.7 Members remain with company
8.4.8 Member responsible for following
personnel accountability system
8.4.9 Personnel accountability system
used at all incidents
8.4.10 Accountability system effective
8.4.11 Additional accountability officers
8.4.12 IC and supervisors responsible
for tracking and accountability
of assigned companies
© 2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1500 (p. 12 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition
1500-64
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 8 Emergency Operations (continued)
8.5 Members Operating at Emergency
Incidents
8.5.1 Adequate number of personnel
provided to safely conduct
emergency operations
8.5.2 No evolutions outside of
established safety criteria
8.5.3 Inexperienced members directly
supervised
8.5.4 Members operate in teams of
two or more
8.5.5 Crew members in communication
with each other
8.5.6 Crew members operate in
proximity to each other
8.5.7 Two in, two out in initial stages
8.5.8 Standby members maintain
awareness
8.5.9 Standby members remain in
communication
8.5.10 Initial stage understood
8.5.11 Standby member permitted to
perform other duties outside of
the hazard area
8.5.12 Standby member restricted
activities
8.5.13 Standby members have full PPE
and SCBA
8.5.14 Standby members don full PPE
and SCBA before entering
hazardous area
8.5.15 Standby member limitations
8.5.16 Rapid intervention crew deployed
when incident no longer in
initial stage
8.5.17 In imminent life-threatening
situation, action to prevent loss
of life permitted with less than
four personnel
8.5.18 At aircraft rescue and fire
fighting, IDLH area within
75 ft (23 m) of aircraft
8.5.19 Highest available level of EMS
available for special operations
8.5.20 EMS personnel at hazmat
operations meet NFPA 473
8.5.21 IC requests EMS to be available
©2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1500 (p. 13 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-65
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 8 Emergency Operations (continued)
8.5.22 Members secured to aerial device
8.5.23 PPE and SCBA used by fire
investigators and otbers in IDLH
atmosphere
8.5.24 Water rescue members wear
personal flotation devices
8.6 Control Zones
8.6.1 Control zones are established
8.6.2 Members operating in hot zone
wear PPE and have assignment
8.7 Traffic Incidents
8.7.1 Appropriate measures taken to
protect members
8.7.2 SOPs for operations involving
traffic incidents
8.7.3 Apparatus and warning devices
used to protect members
8.7.4 Apparatus positioned to protect
members
8.7.5 Warning devices used for
oncoming traffic
8.7.6 Warning device placement
sensitive to conditions
8.7.7 First unit addresses traffic issues
8.7.8 Members and victims in secure
area
8.7.9 Unneeded vehicles parked off
roadway
8.7.10 Members wear garments with
visible materials
8.7.11 Members trained in traffic control
8.8 Rapid Intervention for Rescue of
Members
8.8.1 Personnel provided for rescue of
members
8.8.2 Rapid intervention crew equipped
and available
8.8.3 Composure and structure of RIG
flexible
8.8.4 IC provides RICs appropriate for
incident size
8.8.5 RIG status in early stages
8.8.6 RIG status at expanded incident
8.8.7 RICs for special operations
©2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA1500(p. 14 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition
1500-66
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 8 Emergency Operations (continued)
8.9 Rehabilitation During Emergency
Operations
8.9.1 SOP for rehabilitation of members
8.9.2 IC initiates rehabilitation per
SOPs and NFPA 1561
8.9.3 On-scene rehabilitation to include
complete support
8.9.4 Each member responsible to
communicate rehabilitation needs
8.9.5 Each wildland fire fighter
provided with 2 qt (2 L) of water
8.10 Violence, Civil Unrest, or Terrorism
8.10.1 Fire department not involved
in activity without law enforce-
ment present
8.10.2 Fire department personnel not
involved in crowd control
8. 10.3 SOPs for member safety at
civil disturbance
8.10.4 Interagency agreement for
protection of members
8.10.5 Communication to indicate hfe-
and-death situations
8.10.6 Fire department to coordinate
with law enforcement
8.10.7 Fire department IC identifies
and reacts to violent situations
8.10.8 Fire department IC communicates
with law enforcement IC
8.10.9 Stage resources in a safe area
until scene secure
8.10.10 Secure law enforcement or
withdraw when violence occurs
8.10.11 Body armor used only by
members trained and qualified
8.10.12 Members supporting SWAT
operations trained and
operating under SOPs
8.11 Post-Incident Analysis
8.11.1 SOPs for standardized post-
incident critique
8.11.2 Incident safety officer involved
in critique
8.11.3 Review of conditions and
actions on the safety and health
of members
©2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA1500(p. 15 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
\M 2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-67
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 8 Emergency Operations (continued)
8.11.4 Identify needed action to
improve welfare of members
8.11.5 Analysis includes standard
action plan
Chapter 9 Facility Safety
9.1 Safety Standards
9.1.1 Comply with codes
9.1.2 Facilities for disinfecting, cleaning,
and storage per NFPA 1581
9.1.3 All facilities have smoke detectors
9.1.4 All facilities have carbon
monoxide detectors
9.1.5 All facilities comply with
NFPA 101
9.1.6 Methods to prevent exhaust
exposure
9. 1.7 Contaminated PPE not in living
and sleeping areas
9.1.8 Smoke-free facilities
9.1.9 Pole holes secured
9.2 Inspections
9.2.1 Annual code inspection
9.2.2 Inspections documented
9.2.3 Monthly safety and health
inspection
9.3 Maintenance and Repairs
9.3 System to maintain facilities and
correct safety or health hazards
Chapter 10 IVIedical and Physical Requirements
10.1 Medical Requirements
10.1.1 IVIedical qualified before
becoming a member
10.1.2 Medical evaluation considers
risks and functions associated
with duties
10.1.3 Candidates and members meet
NFPA 1582
10.1.4 Aircraft pilots comply with
FAA regulations
10.1.5 Members under influence of
drugs or alcohol excluded from
participation
)2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1500 (p. 16 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition
1500-68
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAI. Si\rEIT AND HEALTH PROGRAM
NFPA1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 10 Medical and Physical Requirements (continued)
© 2006 National Fire Protection Association
10.2 Physical Performance
Requirements
10.2.1 Fire department develops
requirements
10.2.2 Candidates qualified prior to
training
10.2.3 Members annually qualified
10.2.4 Members not qualified not
involved in emergency
operations
10.2.5 Physical performance rehabil-
itation program available
10.3 Health and Fitness
10.3.1 Health and fitness program
meets NFPA 1583
10.3.2 Fitness levels determined by
individual's assigned functions
10.3.3 Health and fitness coordinator
administers the program
10.3.4 Health and fitness coordinator
acts as liaison
10.4 Confidential Health Data Base
10.4.1 Individual health file for each
member
10.4.2 Health file complete
10.4.3 Composite data base for analysis
10.4.4 Autopsy results in health data
base
10.5 Infection Control
10.5.1 Fire department limits or
prevents member's exposure
10.5.2 Infection control program meets
NFPA 1581
10.6 Fire Department Physician
10.6.1 Fire department physician
officially designated
10.6.2 Provides medical guidance in
management of safety and
health program
10.6.3 Physician licensed
10.6.4 Available on urgent basis
10.6.5 Health and safety officer and
health fitness coordinator
liaison with physician
NFPA 1500 (p. 17 of 18)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
\Si 2007 Edition
ANNEX B
1500-69
NFPA 1500
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM WORKSHEET (continued)
Reference in Standard
Percent in
Compliance
Estimated
Cost to
Comply
Expected
Compliance
Date
Remarks
Chapter 1 1 Member Assistance and Wellness Programs
11.1 Member Assistance Program
mh<--^. ,
11.1.1 Provide member assistance
program
11.1.2 Program refers members to
appropriate health care services
11.1.3 Written poUcy on alcoholism
and substance abuse
11.1.4 Written rules for records
11.1.5 Member assistance records not
part of member's personnel file
11.2 Wellness Program
11.2.1 Wellness program established
11.2.2 Program on health effects with
tobacco products
Chapter 12 Critical Incident Stress Program
12.1 General
12.1.1 Physician to provide guidance
12.1.2 Written policy that estabhshes
program to relieve stress
12.1.3 Criteria for implementation
12.1.4 Program, available to members
for situations affecting members'
psychological and physical
well-being
) 2006 National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 1500 (p. 18 0118)
FIGURE B.2 Continued
2007 Edition feS
1500-70
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATION/VL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
Annex C Building Hazard Assessment
This annex is not apart of the requirements nflhisNFPA document
but is included far infcn-matianal purposes only.
C.l Fire fighters are being exposed to increased risks on the
firegrOLind. Buildings are being occupied in a manner differ-
ent from that for which they were originally designed. The
design of some buildings has changed so that the roofs and
floors can and do fail at a faster rate. Mezzanines over the floor
area have created hazards during fire-fighting operafions.
These changes have created safety hazards, which have in-
creased the risks to fire fighters.
Fire departments should take appropriate measures to
identify buildings that can cause hazardous conditions during
emergency operations. A method that could be used is to add a
letter or letters to the bottom white "specific hazard" area on
existing placards as specified in NFPA 704, Standard System for
the Identification of the Hazards of Materials far Emergency Response.
Some buildings are constructed utilizing several types of roof
construction. The local fire department .should determine
which identifier is used based upon the construction feature
or hazard that creates the greatest risk to fire fighters.
The identifier letter or letters that could be used are as follows:
(1) A — Artisans living in a commercial building
(2) LT — Iight\veight trusses used in roof or floor construction
(e.g., roofs-open web, wooden I-beams)
(3) AT — Arch trusses used in roof construction
(4) P — Panelized roof construction
(5) M — Mezzanines above floor area
Fire departments should initiate local actions that allow for
the local adoption of NFPA 704 placards, with the same iden-
tifiers to be installed on nonplacarded buildings.
The NFPA 704 marking .system could prove beneficial for
first-responding companies and move-up companies, includ-
ing companies used during mutual and automatic aid.
It is recommended that fire departments develop tactical
plans to address safety concerns for fire fighters confronted
with buildings placarded with specific hazards.
Annex D Risk Management Plan Factors
This annex is not a part of the requiremenls of this NJ<PA document
hut is included for infonnational purposes only.
D.l Essentially, a risk management plan .serves as documen-
tation that risks have been identified and evaluated and that a
reasonable control plan has been implemented and followed.
Some factors to consider for each step of the process are
listed in D.1.1 through D.l. 6.
D.1.1 Risk Identification. For eveiy aspect of the operation of
the fire department, list potential problems. The following are
examples of sources of information that could be useful in the
process:
( 1 ) A list of the risks to which members are or can be exposed
(2) Records of previous accidents, illnesses, and injuries, both
locally and nationally
(3) Facility and apparatus surveys, inspections, and so fi)rth
D.l. 2 Risk Evaluation. Evaluate each item listed in the risk
identification process using the following two questions:
( 1 ) What is the potential frequency of occurrence?
(2) What is the potential severity and expense of its occurrence?
This will help to set priorities in the control plan.
Some sources of information that could be useful are the
following:
(1) Safety audits and inspection reports
(2) Prior accident, illness, and injury statistics
(3) Application of national data to the local circumstances
(4) Professional judgment in evaluating risks unique to the
jurisdiction
D.l. 3 Establishment of Priorities for Action. Determining the
frequency and severity of occurrence of risks will serve as a
method for establishing priorities. Any risk that has a low prob-
ability of occurrence but will have serious consequences (high
risk) deserves immediate action and would be considered a
high-priority item. Non-serious incidents with a low likelihood
of occurrence are a lower priority and can be placed near the
bottom of the "action required" list.
D.1.4 Risk Control. Once risks are identified and evaluated, a
control for each should be implemented and documented.
The two primary methods of controlling risk, in order of pref-
erence, are as follows:
(1) Wherever possible, totally eliminate/avoid the risk or the
activity that presents the risk. For example, if the risk is
falling on the ice, then do not allow members to go out-
side when icy conditions are present.
(2) Where it is not possible or practical to avoid or ehminate
the risk, steps should be taken to control it. In the ex-
ample in D.l. 4(1), some methods of control would be
sand/ salt procedures, the wearing of proper footwear,
and so forth.
D.1.5 Other Methods of Control. Other methods of control
to consider are the following:
(1) Safety program development, implementation, and en-
forcement
(2) Standard operating procedures development, dissemina-
tion, and enforcement
(3) Training
(4) Inspections
D.l. 6 Risk Management Monitoring and Follow-Up. As with
any program, it is important to evaluate whether the plan is
working. Periodic evaluations should be made, and, if the pro-
gram elements are not working satisfactorily, then modifica-
tions should be made.
D.2 Figure D.2 shows a sample risk management plan. For
additional information the user .should refer to NFPA 1250,
Recommended Practice in Emergency Sendee Organization Risk Man-
agement.
Annex E Fire Fighter Safety at Wddland Fires
This annex is not apart of the rejiuirements of this NI^PA document
but is included fm- informational purposes only.
E.l General. In addition to the obvious diflerence of .size,
wildland fires require more personnel and more resources
spread out over a larger area. Because of these factors, wild-
land fires present three areas of safety concerns: the fire
fighter, the area immediately surrounding the fire fighter, and
the overall environment of the fire itself
2007 Edition
ANNEX E
1500-71
[ANYTOWN] FIRE DEPARTMENT
RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN
Purpose
The [Anytown] Fire Department has developed and
implemented a risk management plan. The goals and
objectives of the plan are as follows:
(1) To limit the exposure of the fire department to
situations and occurrences that could have harmful or
undesirable consequences on the department or its
members
(2) To provide the safest possible work environment for
the members of the fire department, while recognizing
the risks inherent to the fire department's mission
Scope
The risk management plan is intended to comply with
the requirements of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire
Department Occupational Safety and Health Program.
Methodology
The risk management plan uses a variety of strategies
and approaches to address different objectives. The
specific objectives are identified from the following
sources of information:
(1) Records and reports on the frequency and severity of
accidents and injuries in the [Anytown] Fire Department
(2) Reports received from the [Anytown] Fire Department's
insurance carriers
(3) Specific occurrences that identify the need for risk
management
(4) National trends and reports that are applicable to
[Anytown]
(5) Knowledge of the inherent risks that are encountered
by fire departments and specific situations that are
identified in [Anytown]
(6) Any additional areas identified by fire department
staff and personnel
Responsibilities
The fire chief has responsibility for the implementation
and operation of the department's risk management plan.
The department's health and safety officer has the
responsibility to develop, manage, and annually revise
the risk management plan. The health and safety officer
also has the responsibility to modify the risk management
plan when warranted by changing exposures,
occurrences, and activities.
All members of the [Anytown] Fire Department have
responsibility for ensuring their own health and safety
based upon the requirements of the risk management
plan and the department's safety and health program.
Plan Organization
The risk management plan includes the following:
(1) Identification of the risks members of the fire
department could actually or potentially encounter,
both emergency and non-emergency
(a) Emergency risks include those presented at
emergency incidents, both fire and non-fire
(e.g., hazardous materials), Emergency Medical
Services incidents, and emergency response.
(b) Non-emergency risks include those encountered
while performing functions such as training,
physical fitness, non-emergency vehicle operation,
and station activities (e.g., vehicle maintenance,
station maintenance, daily ofTice functions).
(2) Evaluation of the identified risks based upon the
frequency and severity factors
(3) Development and implementation of an action plan
for controlling each of the risks, in order of priority
(4) Provisions for monitoring the effectiveness of the
controls implemented
(5) A periodic review of the plan with modifications
made as needed
The plan requires a monitoring process which may be
done by the health and safety committee or the health
and safety officers.
Risk lUlanagement Plan l\/lonitoring
(1) The [Anytown] Fire Department's risk management
program will be monitored annually, in January, by
the health and safety officer.
(2) Recommendations and revisions will be made based
on the following criteria:
(a) Annual accident and injury data for the
preceding year
(b) Significant incidents that have occurred during
the past year
(c) Information and suggestions from department
staff and personnel
(3) Every 3 years, the risk management program will
be evaluated by an independent source.
Recommendations will be sent to the fire chief, the
health and safety officer, and the occupational safety
and health committee.
FIGURE D.2 Sample Risk Management Plan.
2007 Edition
1 500-72
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY .\ND HEALTH PROGRA]\{[
Wildland fires require long hours of arduous work in the
worst of conditions.
Training personnel who respond to wildland fires should
include the following as part of the training curriculum, as
some wildland fire fighter fatalities have been attributed to the
failure to follow the 10 Standard Fire Orders, or the failure to
recognize one or more of the 18 Watch Out Situations.
For the fire fighter, tools and personal protective equip-
ment (PPE) are an essential part of the safety component.
Some of the major differences in tools and PPE used by wild-
land fire fighters are the following:
(1) Flame-resistant trousers and shirts do not absorb mois-
ture, allow air to pass through, and allow free movement.
(2) Hardhat is hghtweight, impact-resistant, and well venti-
lated to protect against heat stress.
(3) Ventilated safety goggles with impact-resistant lenses mini-
mize fogging.
(4) Cotton bandana is u.sed for respiratory protection.
(5) Leather gloves are treated for thermal and flame resis-
tance and designed with minimal seams to prevent blis-
ters when using tools.
(6) High-top, leather work boots worn with wool socks are
lightweight enough to prevent fatigue over long periods
of time.
(7) Field packs distribute weight along the hips and can be
removed easily in emergencies.
(8) Wool jacket has natural fire-resistant properties and good
air flow.
(9) Fire shelter is the last-chance lifesaver and used only when
every possible means of escape is exhausted.
The protective equipment used for wildland fire fighting
does have limitations. Clothing does not provide thermal or
steam protection. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
are not used in the wildland environment, leaving fire fighters
vulnerable to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poison-
ing. Prolonged burning aggravates thermal inversions, trap-
ping smoke and gases close to the ground and increasing the
risk of exposure.
E.2 Standard Fire Orders. The 10 Standard Fire Orders were
developed in 19,57 by a task force studying ways to prevent fire
fighter injuries and fatalities. If fire fighters follow the 10 Stan-
dard Fire Orders and are alerted to the 18 Watch Out Situa-
tions, much of the risk of fire fighting can be reduced.
The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
parent group approved the revision of the 10 Standard Fire
Orders in accordance with their original arrangement. The
original arrangement of the Orders is logically organized to
be implemented systematically and applied to all fire situa-
tions, as follows:
10 STANDARD FIRE ORDERS
Fire Behavior
(1) Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
(2) Know what your fire is doing at all times.
(3) Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the
fire.
Firdine Safety
(4) Identify escape routes and make them known.
(5) Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
(6) Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
Organizalional CorUrol
(7) Maintain prompt communications with your forces,
your supervisor, and adjoining forces.
(8) Give clear instructions and ensure they are understood.
(9) Maintain control of your forces at all times.
If 1 through 9 are considered, then
(10) Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
The 10 Standard Fire Orders are firm. We don't break
them; we don't bend them. All fire fighters have a right to a
safe assignment.
E.3 Lookouts, Coinnniiiications, Escape Routes, and Safety
Zones (LCES). In the wildland fire environment, four basic
safety hazards confront the fire fighter: lightning, fire-
weakened timber, rolling rocks, and entrapment by running
fires. Each fire fighter must know the interconnection of
Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones
(LCES). LCES should be estabhshed before fighting the fire:
select lookouts, set up communications, choose escape routes,
and select safety zones.
LCES functions sequentially; it is a self-triggering mecha-
nism. Lookouts a.ssess, and reassess, the fire environment and
communicate threats to safety; fire fighters use escape routes
to safety zones. All fire fighters should be alert to changes in
the fire environment and have the authority to initiate com-
munication.
LCES is built on the following two basic guidelines:
(1) Before safety is threatened, each fire fighter must know
how the LCES system will be used.
(2) LCES must be re-evaluated continuously as fire conditions
change.
The LCES system approach to fireline .safety is an outgrowth
of an analysis of fatalities and near misses for over 20 years of
active fireline suppression duties. LCES simply focuses on the
essential elements of the Standard Fire Orders. Its use should be
automatic in fireline operations, and all fire fighters should know
the LCES interconnection.
E.4 Watch Out Situations. Shortiy after the Standard Fire Or-
ders were incorporated into fire lighter training, the 18 situations
that shout Watch Out were developed. These 18 situations are
more specific and cautionaiy than the Standard Fire Orders, and
describe situations that expand the 10 points of the Fire Orders,
as follows:
18 WATCH OUT SITUATIONS
(1) Fire not scouted and sized up
(2) In countiy not seen in daylight
(3) Safety zones and escape routes not identified
(4) Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing
fire behavior
(5) Uninformed on strategy, tactics, and hazards
(6) Instructions and assignments not clear
(7) No communication link between crew members and
supervisors
(8) Constructing line without safe anchor point
(9) Building fine downhill with fire below
(10) Attempting frontal assault on fire
(11) Unburned fuel between you and the fire
(12) Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who
can
(13) On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below
(14) Weather gets hotter and drier
(15) Wind increases and/or changes direction
(16) Getting frequent spot fires across line
(17) Terrain or fuels make escape to safety zones difficult
(18) Feel like taking a nap near fireline
2007 Edition
ANNEX F
1500-73
Annex F Hazardous Materials PPE Information
This annex is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document
but is included for informational purposes only.
F.l Fire departmeiit personnel involved in a hazardous mate-
rials incident should be protected against potential chemical
hazards. The purpose of chemical-protective clothing and
equipment is to shield or isolate individuals from the chemical
hazards that can be encountered during hazardous materials
responses. Adequate chemical-protective clothing should be
carefully selected and used to protect the respiratory system,
skin, eyes, face, hands, feet, head, body, and hearing.
Structural fire-fighting protective clothing and equipment
should not be used for hazardous materials incidents. Even
where certified to the appropriate NFPA standards for structural
fire fighting, these clothing and equipment items provide little or
no protection against hiizardous materials. Use of this clothing
for hazardous materials emergency response can result in serious
injury or death, as explained in F.1.1 through F.l. 3.
F.1.1 Structural fire-fighting protective clothing materials are
easily permeated or penetrated by most hazardous materials.
Some parts of structural fire-fighting clothing can actually ab-
sorb chemical liquids or vapors, increasing the likelihood of
serious exposure.
F.l. 2 Many hardware items will fail or lose function when
contacted by chemicals (e.g., etching of visors, deterioration
of straps, corrosion of hooks or other metal items).
F.l. 3 Contamination of structural fire-fighting protective
clothing might not be effectively removed by laundering. Re-
use of contaminated clothing can cause chronic exposure and
accelerate physiological effects produced by contact with the
chemical. Fire fighters should realize that no single combina-
rion of protective equipment and clothing is capable of pro-
tecting them against all hazards. Therefore, chemical-
protective clothing .should be used in conjunction with other
protective methods. The use of such clothing can create sig-
nificant wearer hazards, such as heat stress and physical and
psychological stress, as well as impaired vision, mobility, and
commtmication. In general, the greater the level of chemical
clothing protection, the greater are the associated risks. For
any given situation, equipment and clothing should be .se-
lected that provide an adequate level of protection. Overpro-
tection as well as underprotection can be hazardous and
should be avoided. The approach to selecting personal protec-
tive clothing and equipment should encompass an ensemble
of clothing and equipment items that are easily integrated to
provide both an appropriate level of protection and the ability
to can7 out emergency response activities. The following is a
checklist of components that can form die chemical-protective
ensemble:
(1) Protective clothing (i.e., suit, coveralls, hoods, gloves,
boots)
(2) Respiratory equipment (i.e., SCBA, combination SCBA/
SAR)
(3) Cooling system (i.e., ice vest, air circulation, water circula-
tion)
(4) Communications device
(5) Head protection
(6) Ear protection
(7) Inner garments
(8) Outer protection (i.e., overgloves, overboots, flashcovers)
F.2 Emergenqf Response PPE Information. For emergency
response, the only acceptable types of protective clothing in-
clude fully or totally encapsulating suits and nonencapsulating
or "splash" suits combined with accessory clothing items such
as chemical-resistant gloves and boots. These descriptions ap-
ply to how the clothing is designed, not to its performance.
NFPA has classified chemical-protective suits by their perfor-
mance in the following two standards:
(1) Vapor-protective suits (NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-
Protective Ensembles for Hazardous Materials Emergencies)
(Level A)
(2) Liquid splash-protective suits (NFPA 1992, Standard on
Lifjuid Splash-Protective Ensembles and Clothing for I-Iazardous
MatericUs Emergencies) (Level B with SCBA)
Protective clothing should completely cover both the wearer
and the wearer's breathing apparatus. Wearing SCBA or other
respiratory equipment outside the suit subjects this equipment to
the chemically contaminated environment. The SCBA used for
hazardous materials emergency response are generally the same
as those used in structural fire fighting. Respii^atory protective
equipment is not designed to resist chemical contamination and
should be protected from these environments. NFPA 1991 vapor-
protective suits require that respiratory protection SCBA be worn
on the inside. NFPA 1992 liquid splash-protective suits can be
configured with the SCBA on either the inside or the outside.
However, it is strongly recommended that respiratoiy equipment
be worn inside the ensemble to prevent its failure and to reduce
decontamination problems.
A variety of accessories are available for chemical-protective
ensembles. As with protective clothing and respirators, it is
important that these components integrate easily into an en-
semble without a decrease in the protective integrity offered
by any one component. For the most part, the protective suit is
the main integrating ensemble component because it should
accommodate all other equipment while completely covering
the wearer. Nevertheless, selection of an ensemble configura-
tion should consider all items simultaneously.
Fire departments are faced with selecting a number of
available chemical-protective garments and sorting through
the variety of information provided by the manufacturer.
What follows are some guidelines that can be used in selecting
chemical-protective suits.
F.2.1 It must be determined if the clothing item is intended
to provide vapor or liquid splash protection. Vapor-protective
suits also provide liquid splash protection. Both vapor- and
liquid splash-protective suits also provide protection against
sohd chemicals and particles. Many garments can be labeled as
totally encapsulating but do not provide gastight integrity due
to inadequate seams or closings. Splash suits must still cover
the entire body when combined with the respirator, gloves,
and boots. Applying duct tape to a splash suit does not enable
it to protect against vapors. Gastight integrity can only be de-
termined by performing a pressure or inflation test of the re-
spective protective stiit, which should be clone per the manu-
facturer's recommendation. ASTM F 1052, Standard Test
Method for Pressure Testing Vapor Protective linsernbks, offers a pro-
cedure for conducting this test. This test involves the follow-
ing:
( 1 ) Closing off suit exhalation valves
(2) Inflating the suit to a prespecified pressure
(3) Observing whether the suit holds the above pressure for a
designated period of time
2007 Edition iS
1500-74
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUP/VTIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
Liquid splash-protective suits should provide "liquidtight" in-
tegrity. Liquiddght integrity is best evaluated by determining how
the chemical-protective suit and other clothing prevent sprayed
liquid from contacdng the wearer. ASTM F 1359, Standard Test
Method for Liquid Penetration Resistance of Protective Clothing or Protec-
tive Ensembles Under a Shoiver Spray While on a Mannequin, offers
procedures for conducting this test involving the placement of
the suit and other clothing over a mannequin that is dressed in a
water-absorptive garment. Surfactant-treated water is sprayed at
the suited mannequin from several different directions. Observa-
tions of water penetration on the water-absorptive garment indi-
cate a lack of liquidtight integrity. In particular, seam, closure,
and clothing item interface areas should be examined closely for
watertight integrity.
F.2.2 It should be determined if the clothing item provides full-
body protection. A vapor-protective or totally encapsulating suit
will meet this requirement by passing gastight integrity tests. Liq-
uid splash-protective suits can have separate parts. Missing cloth-
ing items should be obtained separately and match or exceed the
performance of the garment. Buying a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
glove for a PVC splash suit does not mean that the same level of
protection is obtained. This determination should be made by
comparing chemical resistance data.
Component parts of the liquid splash-protective suit
should also integrate and provide liquidtight integrity as
described previously.
F.2.3 The manufacturer's chemical resistance data provided
with the garment should be evaluated. Technical data pack-
ages are required to be supplied by the manufacturers of pro-
tective suits that are certified to NFPA 1991 or NFPA 1992.
Manufacturers of vapor-protective suits should provide perme-
ation resistance data for their products, while penetration re-
sistance data should accompany liqiud splash-protective gar-
ments. Data should be provided for every primary material in
the suit, including the garment, visor, gloves, and boots.
Permeation datii should include a citation that testing was
conducted in accordance with ASTM F 739, Standard Test Method
for Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Permeation by Liquids or
Gases Under (Conditions of Continuous Contact, and the following:
(1) Chemical name
(2) Breakthrough time (indicates how soon the chemical per-
meates)
(3) Permeation rate (indicates the rate at which the chemical
permeates)
(4) System sensitivity (allows comparison of test results from
different laboratories)
If no data is provided or if the data lacks any of the informa-
tion above, the manufacturer should be asked to supply the miss-
ing data or the product will not be considered. Manufacturers
that provide only numerical or qualitative ratings should support
tlreir recommendations with complete test data.
Penetration data should include a pass or fail determination
for each chemical listed and a citation that testing was conducted
in accordance with ASTM F 903, Standard Test Method for Resistance
of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids. Pro-
tective suits that are certified to NFPA 1991 or NFPA 1992 should
meet all of the above requirements.
Suit materials that show no breakthrough or no penetra-
tion in response to a large number of chemicals are likely to
have a broad range of chemical resistance. (Breakthrough
times greater than 1 hour are usually considered to be an in-
dication of acceptable performance.) If there are specific
chemicals within a response area that have not been tested,
the manufacturer should be consulted for test data on these
chemicals.
F.2.4 The manufacturer's instruction manual should be ob-
tained and examined.
This manual should document all the features of the suit
and describe those materials that are used in its construction.
It should cite specific limitations for the suit and the restric-
tions that apply to its use. Procedures and recommendations
should be supplied for at least the following:
(1) Donning and doffing
(2) Inspection, maintenance, and storage
(3) Decontamination
(4) Use
The manufacturer's instaictions should be thorough enough
to allow trained fire department members to wear and use the
suit without a large number of questions.
F.2.5 Sample garments should be obtained and inspected.
An examination of the quality of suit construction and
other features that will impact its wearing should be made. If
possible, representative garments should be obtained in ad-
vance, inspected prior to purchase, and reviewed with an indi-
vidual who has experience in their use. It is also helpful to "try
out" representative garments prior to purchase by having per-
sonnel run through exercises to simulate response activities
while wearing the garments.
Despite the fact that a fire department has gone through a
very careful selection process, a number of situations will arise
where no information is available to judge whether the protec-
tive clothing chosen will provide adequate protection. These
situations include the following:
(1) Chemicals that have not been tested with the garment
materials
(2) Mixtures of two or more different chemicals
(3) Chemicals that cannot be readily identified
(4) Lack of data in all suit components (e.g., gloves, visors)
Testing material specimens using newly developed field
test kits can offer one means for making on-site clothing
selections. A portable test kit has been developed by the
EPA using a simple weight lo.ss method that allows field
qualification of protective clothing materials within 1 hour.
Use of this kit can compensate for the absence of data and
provide additional criteria for clothing selection. Selection
of chemical-protective clothing is a complex task and
should be performed by personnel with both extensive
training and experience. Under all conditions, clothing
should be selected by evaluating its performance character-
istics against the requirements and limitations imposed by
the response activity.
Annex G Sample Facility Inspector Checklists
This annex is not a part of the requirem,enls of this NFPA document
but is included for informational purposes only.
G.I Figure G.l is a facilities safety checklist used by the Virginia
Beach Fire Department to document ancl recorcl fire depart-
ment facility inspections. Fire departments are encouraged to
develop an inspection form and procedure that works for their
jurisdiction. The inspection procedure should provide direction
for company officers to conduct inspections of their particular
facilities at least annually as required by this standard.
2007 Edition
ANNEX G
1500-75
FACILITY SAFETY CHECKLIST
Facility:
Date:
GENERAL
The required OSHA workplace poster shall be
displayed in the station, as required, where all
employees are likely to see it.
Emergency instructions and telephone numbers
shall be available for the general public, in the
event of an emergency and fire personnel are out
of quarters.
Cooking appliances, including gas and charcoal
grills, and eating utensils shall be kept clean and
in good working order.
Comments:
Comments:
II.
HOUSEKEEPING
All rooms, offices, hallways, storage rooms, and
the apparatus floor shall be kept clean and orderly
and in a sanitary condition.
All hallways and/or passageways shall be free
from any type of hazards.
All waste containers shall be emptied regularly.
Waste containers shall be provided in the kitchen
and/or eating areas. These containers shall be
maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
Waste container liners are required in all waste
containers kept in kitchen and/or eating areas.
All areas of the station shall be adequately
illuminated.
Stairways shall be in good condition with standard
railings provided for every flight having four or
more risers.
Portable ladders shall be adequate for their
purpose, in good condition, and .2.9 U.S. DOT Publications. American Associadon of
State Highway and Transportadon Officials, 444 North Capi-
tol Street, NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001. Also at
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/index.htm
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Dexricesfor Streets and High-
xuays,2{)Q'i.
H.1.2.10 U.S. Government Publications. U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Americans with Disabilities Act, 1992.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "Guidelines for
Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in
Health-Care Facilities," 1994, October, 1994.
Federal Register, Vol. 59, 38028, July 26, 1994.
Federal Register, Vol. 64, 56243, October 18, 1999.
General Services Administration, Federal Specification for
the "Star-of-Life Ambulance," KKK-A-1822E,June I, 2002.
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, Public Health Seraces, Publi-
cation DHHS No. 8,5-114, September 1985.
NIOSH Respirator User Notice of December 7, 1999.
NIOSH Standard for Chemiccd, Biologi,cal, Radiobgiccd, and
Nuclear (CBRN) Full Facepiece Air Purifying Respirator (APR),
March 2003.
OSHA Enforcement Policy and Procedures for Occupa-
tional Exposure to Tuberculosis, October 8, 1993.
Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910, Occupa-
tional Safety and Health Standards.
Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.95, Occu-
pational noise exposure, 1996.
Tide 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.120, Haz-
ardous loaste operations and emergency response, 2002.
Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.134, Respi-
ratory protection, 1998.
Tide 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1990.103, Defi-
nitions, 2004.
Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 311, Worlierpro-
tertiow, June 1989.
H.1.2.11 Other Publications.
Selkirk, G. A., T. M. McLellan, and J. Wong, "Active Versus
Passive Cooling During Work in Warm Environments While
Wearing Firefighting Protective Clothing," Journal of Occupa-
tional and Fnvironmental Hygiene, 1 :521-531 .
H.2 Informational References. The following documents or
portions thereof are listed here as informational resources only.
They are not a part of the requirements of this document.
H.2.1 NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) PubU-
cations. National Interagency Fire Center Publications, Great
Basin Cache Supply Office, 3833 S. Development Avenue,
Boise, ID 83705.
NWCG-NFES No. 1077, Inadenl Response Pocket Guide, Janu-
aiy 2004.
H.2. 2 Otiier Publications.
LeCuyer, John. Designing the Fitness Program: A Guide for Pub-
lic Safety Organizations, PennWell Corporation, Saddle Brook,
NJ, 2001,
H.3 References for Extracts in Informational Sections.
NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Ensembles for Hazard-
ous Materials Emergencies, 2005 edition.
2007 Edition
INDEX
1500-81
Index
Copyright © 2006 National Fire Protection Association. Ml Rights Reserved.
The copyright in this index is separate and distinct from the copyright in the document that it indexes. The hcensing provisions set forth for the
document are'not apphcable to this index. This index may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without the express written
permission of NFPA.
-A-
Accideat investigations, procedures, and review 4.4.4, 4.4.5,
A.4.4..5
Accountability see Personnel accotmtability system
Adoption requirements l-5> A.I.5.]
Advanced life support (ALS) A..5.3.9, A.8.5.19, A.8.9.3
Definition 3.,?.61. 1
Aerial devices
Definition 3-3.2
Inspecdon and testing 6.4.7
Operator security system 8.5.22
Air transfer (definition) 3.3.3, A.3.3.3
Aircraft, for fire fighting 6.1.7, 10.1.4
Aircraft rescue and fire figliting
Definition 3.3.4, A.,3.3.4
Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) 8.5.18,
A.8.5.I8
Professional qualifications 5.2.3
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) , u.se of A.7.9.7
Air-purifying respirators (APR) see Respiratory protecuon
equipment (RPE)
Alcohol abuse .... 10.1.5, 11. 1. 1 to 11.1.3, A.I0.I.5, A.lTl.l, A.11.1.3
Apparatus see Fire apparams
Application of standard 1 .3, A. 1 .3. 1
Approved (definition) 3.2.1, A.3.2.I
Arson investigators 8.5.23
Atmospheres
Hazardo\is see Hazardous atmospheres
Oxygen-deficient (definition) 3.3.5.2
Authority having jurisdiction (definition) 3.2.2, A.3.2.2
-B-
Basic life support (BLS) 8.5.19, 8.5.21 , 8.9.3, A.5.3.9,
.A.8.5.19, A.8.9.3
Definition 3.3.61 .2
Belts see Seat belts
Biological terrorism agents (definition) 3.3.7; see also CBIW
terrorisiTi incidents
Brake limiting valves 6.2.13
Breathing air 7.10
Building hazard assessment Annex C
-c-
Candidates
Definition 3.3.8, A.3.3.8
Medical requirements 10. 1.1 to 10.1.3, 10.1.4
Physical performance requirements 10. 2. 1, 10.2.2, A.IO. 2.1
Carbon monoxide detectors 9.1.4, A.9. 1.4
CBRN (definition) 3-3-9
CBRN terrorism incidents
Protective ensembles for 7.5.3, A.7.2.4.2, A.7.5.1, A.7.5.3
Protective equipment for 8.3.6, 8.3.7, A.8.3.7
Chemical flash tires A.7.5.2
Definition 3.3.10, A.3.3.10
Chemical-protective clothing 7.5, 7.6, 7.13.9, A.7.5, F1,R2
Chemical terrorism agents (definition) 3.3. 1 1 ; see also CBRN
terrorism incidents
CivU unrest 8.10, A.7.I.2, A.8.I0.1 toA.8.10.5
Cleaning and disinfecting
Equipment 6.5.10, 7.8.5.2
Facilities for 9.1.2
Fire apparatus 6.4.8
Protective clothing 7.1.3, 7.1.4, 7.1.7, A.7.I.3,A.7.1.4, A.7.1. 7
Emergency medical protective clothing 7.4.5
Structural fire-ilghring clothing F.1.3
Technical rescue protective clothing 7.8.5.2
Vapor-protective ensembles 7.5.3.7
Station/work uniforms 7.1 .7, A.7.1. 7
Clear text 8.2.2, 8.2.3, A.8.2.2, A.8.2.3
Definition 3..3.I2, A.3.3.12
Closed-circuit self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) see Self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA)
Cold zones 8.6. 1 , A.8.6.2
Definition 3.3.19.1
Communicable diseases
Definition 3.3.24.1, A3.3.24.1
Infection control 10.5, A.10.5.1
Records of exposure to 4.6.1, 4.6.2, A.4.6.1
Communications 8.2, A.8.1.8, A.8.2.2 to A.8.2.4.1
Civil unrest/ terrorism 8.10.5, A.8.I0.5
Dispatch 8.2.1,8.2.4.2
Emergency traffic 8.2.2. 1,8.2.2.2, 8.2.3, A.8.2.3
Incident 8.2.1, 8.2.4, 8.5.5, 8.5.9, 8.6.1.2, A.8.2.4
Incident clock 8-2.4
Company 8.4.6; see aim Members; Rapid intervention
crew/coinpany (RIC)
Defininon 3.3. 16, A.3.3.16
Confined space A. / .9. /
Definition 3.3.17, A.3.3.17
Contact lenses, use with SCBA 7.13.6, A.7.1 3.6
Contaminants/contamination see also Cleaning and disinfecting
CBRN terrorism incidents 7.5.3.2, A.7.5. 3. 2
Defininon 3.3.18
Exhaust emissions, exposure to 9.1.6, A.9.I.6
Protective clothing 7.1.4, 7.1.7.1, A.7.1.4, A.7.1. 7
Chemical-protective clothing 7.6.2
Emergency medical protective clothing 7.4.5, A.7.4
Sleeping and living areas, ensemble in 9.1.7
Strucnnal fire-fighfing protective clothing El .3
Technical rescue protective clothing and equipment .... 7.8.5.2
Vapor-protective clothing used at CBRN incidents 7.5.3.7
Control zones 8.6, A.8.6.2
Cold 8.6.2, A.8.6.2
Definition 3.3.19
Exclusion zones 8.6.2.3, A.8.6.2
Hot 8.6.2, A.8.6.2
Warm 8.6.2, A.8.6.2
Crew (definition) 3.3.20; see also Rapid intervention
crew/company (RIC)
Critical incident stress program Chap. 12
Cryogenic hquids (definition) 3.3.21, A.3.3.21
-D-
Data base, health see Health data base
Debilitating illness or injury (definition) 3.3.22
Decontamination .see Cleaning and disinfecting
Defensive operations 8.3.2 (4)
Definition .3..3.69.1, A.3..3.69.1
Definitions Chap. 3
Disease see Coinmunicable diseases; Infectious diseases
Dispatch system 8.2. 1
2007 Edition
NFnr
1500-82
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL S.^TIYAND HEALTH PROGRAM
Disposal
Chemical-protective clothing 7.5.3.7 to 7.5.3.9, 7.6.2
Emergency medical protective clothing 7.4.5.1, 7.4.5.2
Life safety rope 7.16.2.1, 7.16.3.1
Drivers/operators of fire apparatus 5.2.2, 6.2, A.5.2.2,
A.6.2.1 toA.6.2.14.2
Drugs 10.1.5, 11.1.1 to 11.1.3,A.I0.1.5,A.11.1.1,A.U.1.3
Definition 3.3.25
Duty, evaluation of fitness for 10.7
Ear protection 6.5.2, 7.18, A.7.I8.1 toA.7.l8.3
Education se^Training and education
Emergency incident (definition) 3.3.5 1 . 1 ; vw also Emergency
operations
Emergency medical services 8.5.21
Definition 3.3.27
Hazardous materials incidents 8.5.20
Moving vehicle, safety of member providing service in 6.3.3,
A.6.3.3
Protecdve clothing for 7.4, A.7.4
Rehabilitation during emergency operations 8.9,
A.8.9.1 toA.8.9.5
Special operations 8.5.19, A.8.5.19
Training requirements 5.1.7, 5.3.9, A.5.3.9
Emergency operations Chap. 8;
see also Emergency medical services
Civil unrest/ terrorism 8.10, A.8.10.1 toA.8.10.5
Control zones 8.6, A.8.6.2
Definition 3.3.69.2
Fire apparatus, use of 6.2, A.6.2.1 to A.6.2.H.2
Members operating at 8.4.6 to 8.4.8,
8.4.12, 8.5, A.8.5. 1.1 toA.8.5.24
Personnel accoimtability system see, Persormel accountability
system
Physical performance requirements 10.2.3 to 10.2.5
Post-incident analysis 8.11
Private vehicles used for emergency response 6.2.14, A.6.2. 14
Protective clothing for see Protective ensembles
Rapid intervention for rescue of members 8.8, A.8.8.4
Rehabilitation during 8.9, A.8.9.1 to A.8.9.5
Risk management during 8.3, A.8.3.1 to A.8.3.7
Terrori.sm/CBRN 8.3.6, 8.3.7, A.8.3.7
Traffic incidents 8.7, A.8,7
Training for 5.1.3, 5.1.4, 5.1.10, 5.1.11, A.5. 1.4
Equipment 6.5; see also Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Accident investigations 4.4.5. 1 , A. 4.4.5
Carried on apparatus
Inspection and testing 6.5.6 to 6.5.8, A.6. 4.1
Inventory records 6.5.7
Securing to vehicle 6.1.5, A.6. 1.5
Hearing protection for use of power equipment 6.5.2,
7.18.2,A.7.]8.2
Inventory records 6.5.7
Records 4.6.5
Rescue 8.8.2.1
Traffic incidents, warning devices for 8.7.5, A.8.7.5
Equivalency to standard 1.4, A. 1.4.1
Evaluation
Fitness for duty 10.7
Medical evaluations 10.1.1 to 10.1.5, A.10.1.5
Risk 4.2.3(2), A.4.2.3, D.I. 2
Of safely and health program 4.3.3, A.4.3.3
Extinguishers, portable fire 6.5. 13
Eye protection see Primary eye protection
-F-
Face protection 7.4.1, 7.4.4, 7.17, A.7.4, A.7.17.1 . 1
Faceshields 7.17.1. 3, A. 7.17.1.1
Definition 3.3.30, A.3.3.30
Facial hair, and SCBAuse 7.13.3, A.7.13. 3
Facilities see Fire department facilities
Fire apparatus Chap. 6; see also Aerial devices
Accident investigations 4.4.5. 1 , A.4.4.5
Aircraft 6.1.7,10.1.4
Brake limiting valves 6.2.13
Definition 3.3.32
Drivers/operators 5.2.2, 6.2, A.5.2.2, A.6.2.1 to A.6.2. 14.2
Hearing protection 7.18, A.7.I8.1 toA.7.18.3
Inspection, maintenance, and repair 6.4, 6.5.6 to 6.5.9,
A.6.4.1,A.6.4.4
Persons riding in 6.3,A.6.3.1 toA.6.3.8
Records 4.6.5, 6.5.7
Retarders 6.2. 1 2
Shield against motor vehicle traffic, use as 8.7.3 to 8 7 7
A.8.7.5
Unsafe due to major defects 6.4.4, A.6.4.4
Fire chief 4.7. 1, 4.7.3, 4.7.6, A.4.3.3
Definition 3.3.33
Fire department
Administration Chap. 4
Definition 3.3.34, A.3.3.34
Organizational statement 4.1, A.4.1 .1 , A.4.1.2
Roles and responsibiUties 4,4, A.4.4.3, A.4.4.5
Fire department facilities 4.4.5.1
Definition 3.3.35, A.3.3.35
Inspection checklist, sample Annex G
Safety Chap. 9
Fire department member see Member
Fire department physician 10.3.4, 10.6, 10.7.2, A.1 0.6.3, A.10.6.4
Fire fighting see Proximity fire fighting; Structural fire fighting;
Wildland fire fighting
Fire hose ; ^gg Hose
Fire officers, professional qualifications 5.2.4
Fire pumps, service testing of 6.4.6
Fire shelters 5.3.6, 7.7.3, A.7.7.3
Definition 3.3.38
Fire suppression
Definition 3.3.,39, A.3.3.39
Medical requirements for members engaging in 10.1.3
Fitness for duty evaluations 10.7
Full facepiece air-purifying respirators 7.5.3.6. 1 , 7. 1 1 .3,
A.7.5.3.6,A.7.1 1.3.3
-G-
Gloves A.7. 1 . 1
Medical 7.4.1, 7.4.2, 7.4.5.1, A.7.4, A.7.4.2
Protective coats, use with 7.9.4
Goggles A.7.1,1, A.7.4, A.7.17.1. 1
Definition 3.3.40
-H-
Hardware 7. 1 6 1
Harnesses
Life safety 7.16, A. 7.16.3
Vehicle safety 6.1.7 1
Definition 3.3.94
Hazard control zones sw Control zones
Hazardous areas see also Control zones; Hazardous atmospheres
Crew operations in 8.5.4 to 8.5.17, A.8.5.4 to A.8.5. 1 1
Definition 3.3.42
Personal protective equipment/SCBA for 7.17.3, 8.5.23
Hazardous atmospheres
Definition 3.3.5.1, A.3.3.5.1
Respiratoi-y protection equipment, use of 7.9.7, 7 9 8
7.12.2, 7.13.3, A.7.9.7,A.7.9.8
Hazardous material (definition) 3.3.44
Hazardous materials operations
Definition 3.3.69.3
Emergency medical care 8.5.20
2007 Edition
INDEX
1500-83
Personal protective eqiiiptnent Annex F
Protective clotliing for 7.5, A.7.5, F. 1
Responders, training requirements for 5.2.6, 5.4.3, A.5.2.6
Hazards
Building hazard assessment Annex C
Definition 3.3.41, A.3.3.41
Identification of specific hazards, .system for C. 1
Health and fitness coordinator 10..3.3, 10.3.4, 10.6.5
Definition 3.3.46
Health and safety officer 4.5.1.1 (1), 4.7, 10.6.5; see also Incident
safety officer
Definition 3.3.47, A.3.3.47
Health data base
Confidential 4.6.3, 10.4, A.10.4.1 toA.10,4.4
Definition 3.3.48
Health maintenance program 11.2, A. 11. 2.1, A.ll. 2. 2; see also
Member assistance program (MAP)
Health records 4.6.1 to 4.6.3, 10.4, A.4.6.1, A.10.4.1 toA.10.4.4
Hearing protection 6.5.2, 7.18, A.7. 18.1 to A.7.18.3
Helmets 6.3.6, 7.13.10, 7.17.1.3, A.6.3.6
Hose 6.5.4
Loading operations in mo\'ing vehicle 6.3.4, A.6.3.4
Service testing 6.5.12
Hot zones 8.6.1, A.8.6.2
Definition 3.3.19.2
-I-
lUness or injury
Debilitating illness or injury 3.3.21
Occupational illness 4.4.5
Definition 3.3.65
Occupational injury 4.4.5
Definition 3.3.66
Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) 7.9.7, 7.9.8,
7.11.2.2, 7,11.2.3, 7.11.3.1, A.7.9.7,A.7.9.8,A.8.5.11
Aircraft rescue fire-fighdng incidents 8.5.18, A.8.5. 18
Chemical-protective clothing for hazardous materials emergency
operations 7.5.1.1, 7.5. 1 .3, 7.5.3.4, 7.5.3.5
Definition 3.3.50
Personal protective equipment and/or SCBA for 8.5.23,
A.7.13.3
Incident action plan (definition) 3.3.52
Incident commanders 8.1.5 to 8.1.8, 8.2.4.2, A.8.1.5 to A.8.1.8
CBRN terrorism incidents 7.5.3.2.1
Civil unrest/ terrorism, role in 8.10.6 to 8.10.10
Control zones, designation of 8.6. 1 . 1
Definition 3.3.,53
Emergency medical care, role in 8.5.21
Personnel accountability .system, role in 8.4,4, 8.4. 1 2
Rapid intervention, role in 8.8.4, A.8.8.4
Rehabilitation chiring emergency operations, role in 8.9.2,
A.8.9.2
Risk management by 8.3, A.8.3.1 to A.8.3.7
Incident management system (IMS) 8.1, 8.3.1, 8.3.4,
A.8.1.1 toA.8.L8,A.8.3.1
Definition 3.3.54, A.3.3.54
Personnel accountability see Personnel accountability system
Training in 5.1.11
Incident officers, responsibilities of 8.4.5
Incidents
Emergency (definition) ..'. 3.3.51.1; i(;e a/so Emergency operations
Rescue *«« Rescue incidents
Traffic see Traffic incidents
Incident safety officer 8.3.5, 8.11 .2, A.8.3.5
Definition 3.3.55, A.3.3.55
Industrial fire brigade (definition) 3.3.56
Infection control program 10.5, A.10.5. 1
Definition 3.3.57, A.3.3..57
Infectious agents 4.6.1 , A.4.6.1, A.7.4
Infectious diseases 4.6.2; see tilso Infection control program
Definition 3.,3.24.2
Initial attack 8.5.16,8.5.17,8.8.5
Inspections
Extinguishers, portable fire 6.5. 13
Fire apparatus 4.6.5, 6.4.1, 6.4,3, 6.4.7, A.6.4.1
Fire department facilities 9.2, A.9. 1.9, Annex G
Ladders, ground 6.5.1 1
Protective clothing and equipment 7.2.5.2, 7.5.3.10, 7.6.1,
7.8.5.1, 7.14.1, 7.16.3, 7.16.4, A.7.1.,3,A,7. 14.1, A.7.16.3
Tools and equipment 4.6.5, 6.5.1, 6.5.6, A.6.4.1
Interface components A.7.2.4.2
Definition 3.3.59
Investigations
Accident 4.4.4, 4.4.5, A.4.4.5
Arson investigators, protective equipment
and/or SCBA for 8.5.23
Life-threatening situation, actions taken in 8.5.17.2
Ladders, ground 6.5.3, 6.5.11
Law enforcement agency 8.10.4 to 8.10.12, A.8. 10.5
Life safety harness system components 7.16, A.7. 1 6.3
Life safety rope 7.16, A.7.16.3
Definition 3.3.60
Life support «k Advanced life support (ALS) ; Basic life support
(BLS)
Liquefied gas (definition) 3.3.62, A.3.3.62
Liquid splash-protective ensembles and clothing . . . 7.5.2, A.7.5. 2, F.2
Live fire training evolutions 5.3.7, A. 5. 3. 7
-M-
Maintenance
Fire apparatus 4.6.5, 6.4.2, 6.4.3
Fire department facilities 9.3, A. 9. 3
Protective clothing and equipment 7.2.5, 7.5.3.10, 7,6.1 ,
7.8.5.1,7.9.1, A.7.9.1.1
Tools and equipment 4.6.5, 6.5.1
Marine vessels
Fire-fighting vessels 6.1.4
Long-duration SCBA, use of A.7. 1 1 . 1 .3
Medical evaluations 10.1.1 to 10.1.4
Medical requirements 10.1, A. 10. 1.5
Member assistance program (MAP) ILl, A.ll. 1.1 to A. 11.1. 4
Definition 3.3.64
Member organization
Definition 3.3.65
Occupational safety and health program, role in 4.4.8,
4.5.1.1(3), 4.5.1.3
Members
Crew operations 8.5.4 to 8.5.17, A.8.5.4 to A.8.5. 11
Definition 3.3.63, A.3.3.63
Fitness for duty evaluations 10.7
Health records 4.6.3, 10.4, A.10.4.1 toA.10.4.4
Infection control 10.5, A. 10.5. 1
Medical requirements 10.1.3 to 10.1.5, A.l 0.1. 5
Operating at emergency incidents 8.5, A.8.5. 1.1 to A.8.5. 24
Personnel accountability system see Personnel accountability
system
Physical fitness 10.3
Physical performance requirements 10.2, A.IO. 2.1
Professional qualifications 5.2, 5.3.1, 5.3.2,
A.5.2.2, A.5.2.6, A.5.3.1
Rapid intervention for rescue of 8.8, A.8.8.4
Rehabilitation during emergency operations 8.9,
A.8.9.1 toA.8.9.5'
Standby, at hazardous incidents 8.5.7 to 8.5. 15, A.8.5.7,
A.a.5.11
Training see Training and education
-N-
Nuclear exposure see CBiyV terrorism incidents
2007 Edition
1500-84
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
-O-
Occupational illness 4.4.5
Definition 3.3.66
Occupational injury 4.4.5
Definition 3.3.67
Occupational safety and health committee 4.5, A.4.5.1, A.4.5.3
Occupational safety and health program 4,4, A.4.4.3, A.4.4.5
Health and .safety officer, role of see Health and safety officer
Member organization, role of 4.4.8, 4.5.1.1 (3), 4.5.1.3
Monitoring compliance, worksheet for Annex B
Offensive operations (definition) 3.3.69.4
Operations see. also Emergency operations; Hazardous materials
operations; Special operadons
Defensive 8.3.2(4)
Definition 3.3.69.1, A.3..3.69.1
Offensive (definition) 3.3.69.4
Operators, fire apparatus .... 5.2.2, 6.2, A.5.2.2, A.6.2.1 toA.6.2.14.2
Organizational statement, fire department 4.1, A.4.1.1, A.4.1.2
Oxygen-deficient atmosphere (definition) 3.3.5.2
Hazardous materials incidents see. Hazardous
materials operations
Proximity fire Cghring 7.3, A.7.3.1 , A.7.5.3.6
Rapid intervendon crew 8.8.2.1
Standby members 8.5.13, 8.5.1 4
Structural fire fighting see Structural fire fighting
Technical rescue 7.8.5
Traffic incidents 8.7.10, A.8.7.10
Training in use of 5.3.10, A.5.3. 10
Use of 7.1.2,A.7.1.1,A.7.1.2
Wildland fire fighting 7.7, A.7.7.3
Protective equipment si?e Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Proximity fire fighting
Definition 3.3.37.1, A.3.3.37.1
Protective clothing for 7.3, A.7.3. 1 , A.7.5.3.6
Purpose of standard 1,2, A. 1.2.3
Qualified person (definition) 3.3.77
Particulates (definition) 3.3.71, A.3. 3.71; seeaisoCBRN terrorism
incidents
Personal alert safety system (PASS) 7.1 5, A.7. 1 1 . 1 .2,
A.7.15.2,A,7,15,3
Personal protective equipment (PPE) . . . Chap. 7; see also Respiratoiy
protection equipment (RPE)
CBRN incidents 8.3.6, 8.3.7, A.8.3.7
Existing 7.19.2, 7.19.3
Hazardous areas 8.5.23, 8.6.2. 1
Hazardous materials Annex F
Hearing protection 7.18, A.7.18.1 to A,7.18.3
Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) 8.5.23
Life safet)' rope and system components 7.16, A.7.16.3
New 7.19.1
Personal alert safety system (PASS) 7.15, A.7.15.2, A.7.15.3
Rapid intervention crew 8.8.2.1
Standby members 8.5.13, 8.5.14
Training and education for use of 5.1.8, 5.3.10, A.5. 3.10
Use of 7.1.2, A.7.1.1,A.7.12
Wildland fire fighting 7.7, A,7.7.3
Personnel accoimtability system 5.1.11,8.4, A.7.1 1.1.2,
A.8.4.1 toA.8.4.11
Definition 3.3.72
Personal alert .safety system (PASS) 7.15, A.7.15.2, A.7.15.3
Physical fitness 10.3
Physical performance requirements 10.2, A. 10.2. 1
Physician, fire department see Fire department physician
Policy 4.3, A.4.3. 1, A.4.3.3
Post-incident analysis 8.11
Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) see Respiratory
protection equipment (RPE)
Primary eye protection 7. 1 7, A.7. 1 7. 1 . 1
Definition 3.3.73
Fire apparatus, use in 6.3.7, A.6.3.7
SCBA facepiece used as 7.17.2
Technical rescue operations 7.8.4
Wildland fire fighting 7.7.4
Procedure (definition) 3.3.74
Professional qualifications 5.2, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, A.5.2.2,
A.5.2.6, A.5.3. 1
Protective clothing see Protective ensembles
Protective ensembles Chap. 7; see also Personal protective
equipment (PPE) ; Respiratoiy protection equipment
{RPE)
Chemical-protective clothing see Chemical-protective clothing
Definition 3.3.75, A.3.3.75
Emergency medical operations 7,4, A,7.4
E'iisting 7,19.2, 7,19,3
-R-
Radiological particulates hazards see CBRN terrorism incidents
Rapid intervention crew/company (RIG) 8.5.16, 8.8, A.8.8.4
Definition 3.3.78, A.3.3.78
Records 4.6, A.4.6. 1, A.4.6.4
Equipment inventory 6.5.7
Health database, confidential 10.4, A.IO. 4.1 toA.10.4.4
Life safety rope 7. 16.5
Life-threatening situation, actions taken in 8.5.17.2
Member assistance program 11.1.4, 11.1.5, A.l 1.1. 4
Respiratory facepiece fitting tests 7.12.5
References Chap. 2, Annex H
Rehabilitation
During emergency operations 8.9, A.8.9.1 to A.8.9.5
Fitness for duty 10.7.3
Physical performance 10.2.5
Related activities (definition) 3.3.79
Repairs
Equipment 6.5.9
Fire apparatus 4.6.5, 6.4.1, 6.4,3 to 6.4.5, A.6.4.1, A.6.4.4
Fire department facilities 9.3, A.9.3
Tools and equipment 4.6.5, 6.5.1
Rescue see also Technical rescue
Definition 3.3.80
Hydraulic rescue tools 6.5. 14
Rapid intervention for members 8.5.16, 8.8, A.8.8.4
Structural fire, fire fighters at 8.5.7, 8.5.12, 8.5.13.1,
8.5.15, 8.5.'l 6, A.8.5.7
Rescue incidents see also Technical rescue
Definition 3.3.51 .2
Hoist rescue, aircraft 6.1.7.1
Water rescue, personal flotation devices for 8.5.24, A.8.5.24
Respiratory protection equipment (RPE) see also Self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Air-purifying respirators (APR) 7.8.3.1, A.7.8. 3.1,
A.7.8.3.2,A.7.12.1
Full facepiece air-purifying respirators 7.5.3.6. 1 ,
7. 11. 3, A.7.1 1.3.3
Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) 7.8.3.1,
7.12.3,A.7.8.3.1,A.7.8.3.2
Breathing air 7 ] q
Buddy breathing A.7. 11 . 1 .2
Definition 3.3.82, A.3.3.82
Fit testing 7.12,A.7.12.1 to 7.12.6
Respiratoiy protection program for 7.9, A.7.9. 1 . 1 to A,7.9.8
Securing on fire deparunent vehicles of 6. 1 .5, A.6. 1.5
StippHed-air respirators 7,11.2
Training in u.se of 5,3.5, A.5.3.5
2007 Edition
INDEX
1500-85
Use of 7.13,A.7.13.3,A.7.13.6
Emergency medical serace 7.4.3, A.7.4.3
Hazardous materials emergencies 7.."). 1.3, 7.5.2.3, 7.5.3.3.1,
7.5.3.4.1 , 7.5.3.5.1 ,7.5.3.6.1, A.7.5.3.6, F.2
Proximity fire fighting protective clothing use and 7.3.4
Technical rescue operations 7.8.3, A.7.8.3.1, A.7.8.3.2
Retarders, fire department vehicles 6.2.12
Risk
Control 4.2.3(4) , A.4.2.3, D.1.5
Definition 3.3.83
Evaluation 4.2.3(2), A.4.2.3, D. 1.2
Identification 4.2.3(1), A.4.2.3, D.1.1
Priorities for action, establishment of 4.2.3(3), A.4.2.3, D.1.3
Risk management
Definidon 3.3.84
During emergency operations 8.3, A.8.3.1 toA.8.3.7
Monitoring and follow-up 4.2.3(5), A.4.2.3, D.1.6
Plan 1 .5.3, 4.2, A.4,2.1 , A.4.2.3
Factors /\jinex D
Sample D.2
Training and education on 5.1.5
Rope
Life safety see Life safety rope
Safety guide 8.5.5
-S-
Safety guide rope 8.5.5
Safety officer, incident vee Incident safety officer
Safety standards 9. 1 , A.9 . 1 . 1 to A.9. 1 .9
SCBA see Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Scope of standard 1.1
Seat belts
Definition 3.3.86
Fire apparatus pa.ssengers 6.3.1 to 6.3.3, 6.3.8,
A.6.3.1,A.6.3.3,A.6.3.8
Hoist rescue systems 6.1.7.1
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) 7.9.8, 7.11 T,
8.8.2.1 to8.8.2.6,A.7.9.8,A.7.11.1.2,A.7.H.1.3; jecaiso
Respiratory protection equiptnent (RPE)
Breathing air used to fill 7.10
Closcd-circtiit self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) 7.11.1.3, 7.11.1.4, A.7.11. 1.3
Definition 3.3.87.1
Cylinders 7.14, A.7.14.1 to A.7.14.6
Definitions 3.3.85, 3.3.87
Face and eye protection, used for 7.17.2
Fit A.7.12.1,A.7.12.6
Hazardous areas 8.5.23
Llazardous atmospheres 7.9.7, A.7.9.7
Hazardous materials incidents F.2
CBRN terrorism incidents 7.5.3.3.1, 7.5.3.4.1,
7.5.3.5.1, 7.5.3.6.1, A.7.5.3.6
Liquid splash-protecfive ensembles 7.5.2.3
Vapor-protective ensembles 7.5.1.3
Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) 8.5.23
Long-duration 7.11.1.3, A.7.11. 1.3
Proximity fire fighting protective clothing use and 7.3.4
Rapid fill system, use of 7.14.6 to 7.14.10, A.7.14.6
Resene 7.9.4, 7.9.5, A.7.9.4
Standby members, for 8.5.13, 8.5.14
Technical rescue operations 7.8.3.2, 7.8.3.3, A.7.8.3.2
Service tests
Aerial devices 6.4.7
Definition 3.3.88
Fire hose 6.5. 12
Fire pumps 6.4.6
Ladders, ground 6.5. 1 1
Shall (definition) 3.2.3
Should (definition) 3.2.4
Smoke detectors 9. 1 .3
Smoke-free areas 9. 1 .8
Smoking cessation program 11.2.2, A. II. 2.2
Special operations 8.3.5, 8.5.1 9, A.8.3.5, A.8.5.19
Definidon 3.3.69.5, A.3.3.69.5
Law enforcement support 8.10.4 to 8.10.12, A.8. 10. 5
Rapid intervendon crew for 8.8.7
Training for 5.4
Spectacles
Definition 3.3.90, A.3.3.90
SCBA used with 7.13.4,7.13.5
Spray nozzles 6.5.5
Station/work uniforms 7.1.5, 7.1.7, A.7.1.5, A.7.1.7
Storage areas 9.1.2, 9.1.3
Stress program, critical incident Chap. 12
Structural fire fighting 5.2.1
Building hazard assessment Annex C
Definition 3.3.37.2
Hazardous areas, team operations in 8.5.4 to 8.5.17,
A.8.5.4toA.8.5.11
Protective ensembles 7.2, A.7.2.1 to A.7.2.4.2, A.7.5.,3.6, F.l
Cleaning of 7.1.3
Inspection of A.7.L3
Substance abuse 10.1.5, 11. 1.1 to 11.1.3, A. 10.1.5,
A.11.1.1,A.11.1.3
Supplied-air respirators 7.11.2
-T-
Tactical level management component (TLMC) A.8. 1 .8
Definition 3.3.92
Technical rescue
Definition 3.3.93
Protective ensembles for 7.8
Training requirements for 5.4.4
Terrorism'incidents 8.3.6, 8.3.7, 8.10, A.8. 1 0.1 to A.8.10.5; see also
CBRN terrorism incidents
Tests
Equipment on apparatus 6.5.8
Extinguishers, portable tire 6.5.13
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders 7. 14.2
Service see Service tests
Tillers
Helmets and eye protection for pas.sengers in 6.3.6,
6.3.7, A.6..3.6,A.6.3.7
Training 6.3.5, A.6.3.5
Tobacco use programs 11.2.2, A. 1 1.2.2
Tools 6.5
Hearing protection 6.5.2, 7.18.2, A.7. 18.2
Securing on fire department vehicles of 6.1 .5, A. 6.1 .5
Toxic products 4.6.2
Traffic incidents 8.7, A.8.7
Definition 3.3.51 .3
Training and education Chap. 5
Equipment used for
Inspection and testing 6.5.6 to 6.5.8, A.6.4.1
Inventory records 6.5.7
Law enforcement support cjpe rations 8.10.11, 8.10.12
Member proficiency, training frequency to maintain 5.5,
A.5.5.3
Member qualifications 5.2, A.5.2.2, A.5.2.6
Records 4.6.4, A.4.6.4
Requirements 5.3, A.5.3.1 to A.5.3.10
Respiratory protection equipment 7.9.1, 7.9.3, A.7.9.1.1
Special operations, for 5.4
Tillers 6.3.5, A.6.3.5
Traffic control 8.7. 1 1 , A.8.7.11
Wildland fire fighting Annex E
2007 Edition
(3
HFnr
1500-86
FIRE DEPARTMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
-V-
Vapor-protective ensembles 7.5.1, 7.5.3.3, A. 7.5.1, F.2
Vehicles, fire department 6.1, A.6.1.1, A.6.1.5;
see also Fire apparatus
Brake limiting valves 6.2.13
Drivers/operators of 6.2, A.6.2.1 to A.6.2. 14.2
Retarders 6.2.12
Vehicles, private
Emergency response, use for 6. 2. 14, A. 6. 2. 14
Motor vehicle traffic at emergency scene 8.7.7, 8.7.10,
8.7.11, A.8.7.10,A.8.7.1I
Vehicle safety harnesses 6. 1 .7. 1
Definition 3.3.95
Violence, at incidents see Civil unrest
-W-
Warm zones 8.6. 1, A,8.6.2
Definition 3.3.19.3
Water rescue, personal flotation devices for 8.5.24, A.8.5.24
Wellness program 11.2, A.ll. 2.1, A.11.2.2
Wildland fire fighting 8.9.5, A.8.9.5
Apparatus 6. 1 .3
Definition 3.3.37.3
Protective clothing and equipment for 7.7, A.7.7.3
Training for 5.2.5, 5.3.6, E.3, E.4
WrisUets 7.2.4.1, 7.2.4.2, A.7.2.4.2
2007 Edition
Tentative Interim Amendment
NFPA 1500
Standard on Fire Department Occupational
Safety and Health Program
2007 Edition
Reference: 7.19.3
TIA 07-2
(SC 08-10-9/TIA Log #935)
Pursuant to Section 5 of the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects, the National Fire Protection
Association has issued the following Tentative Interim Amendment to NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department
Occupational Safety and Health Program, 2007 edition. The TIA was processed by the Technical Committee on
Fire Service Occupational Safety and Health, and was issued by the Standards Council on October 28, 2008, with
an effective date of November 17, 2008.
A Tentative Interim Amendment is tentative because it has not been processed through the entire standards-
making procedures. It is interim because it is effecdve only between edidons of the standard. A TIA automatically
becomes a proposal of the proponent for the next edition of the standard; as such, it then is subject to all of the
procedures of the standards-making process.
1. Revise 7.19.3 to read as follows:
Members' protecdve ensembles for stmctural fire fighting and protecdve ensembles for proximitv fire fighting
shall be retired in accordance with NFPA \85\ ..Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective
Ensembles for Structural Fire Fishtins and Proximitv Fire Fighting. PPE shall be taken out of service after 1 .5
years from date of manufacture, regardless of testing or inspection procedure s .
issue Date: October 28, 2008
Effective Date: November 17, 2008
(Note: For further information on NFPA Codes and Standards, please see www.nfpa.org/codelist)
Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
Sequence of Events Leading to Issuance
of an NFPA Committee Document
Step 1: Call for Proposals
•Proposed new Document or new edition of an existing
Document is entered into one of two yearly revision cy-
cles, and a Call for Proposals is published.
Step 2: Report on Proposals (ROP)
•Committee meets to act on Proposals, to develop its own
Proposals, and to prepare its Report.
•Committee votes by written ballot on Proposals. If two-
thirds approve, Report goes forward. Lacking two-thirds
approval, Report returns to Committee.
•Report on Proposals (ROP) is published for public re-
view and comment.
Step 3: Report on Comments (ROC)
•Committee meets to act on Public Comments to develop
its own Comments, and to prepare its report.
•Committee votes by written ballot on Comments. If two-
thirds approve, Report goes forward. Lacking two-thirds
approval, Report returns to Committee.
•Report on Comments (ROC) is published for public re-
view.
Step 4: Technical Report Session
'"Notices of intent to make a motion" are filed, are reviewed,
and valid modons are cerdfied for presentation at the
Technical Report Session. ("Consent Documents" that
have no certified motions bypass the Technical Report
Session and proceed to the Standards Council for issu-
ance.)
•NFPA membership meets each June at the Annual Meet-
ing Technical Report Session and acts on Technical
Committee Reports (ROP and ROC) for Documents
with "certified amending motions."
•Committee (s) vote on any amendments to Report ap-
proved at NFPA Annual Membership Meeting.
Step 5: Standards Council Issuance
•Notification of intent to file an appeal to the Standards
Council on Association action mtist be filed within 20
days of the NFPA Annual Membership Meeting.
•Standards Council decides, based on all evidence,
whether or not to issue Document or to take other ac-
tion, including hearing any appeals.
Committee Membership Classifications
The following classifications apply to Technical Commit-
tee members and represent their principal interest in the
activity of the committee.
M Manufacturer: A representative of a maker or mar-
keter of a product, assembly, or system, or portion
thereof, that is affected by the standard.
U User: A representative of an entity that is subject to
the provisions of the standard or that voluntarily
uses the standard.
I/M Installer/ Maintainer: A representative of an entity
that is in the business of installing or maintaining
a product, assembly, or system affected by the stan-
dard.
L Labor: A labor representative or employee con-
cerned with safety in the workplace.
R/T Applied Research/Testing Laboratory: A representative
of an independent testing laboratoi7 or indepen-
dent applied research organization that promul-
gates and/or enforces standards.
E Enforcing Authority: A representative of an agency
or an organization that promulgates and/or en-
forces standards.
I Insurance: A representative of an insurance com-
pany, broker, agent, bureau, or inspection agency.
C Consumer: A person who is, or represents, the ul-
timate purchaser of a product, system, or service
affected by the standard, but who is not included
in the f/ser classification.
SE Special Expert: A person not representing any of
the previous classifications, but who has a special
expertise in the scope of the standard or portion
thereof.
NOTES;
1. "Standard" connotes code, standard, recommended
practice, or gtiide.
2. A representative includes an employee.
3. While these classifications will be used by the Standards
Council to achieve a balance for Technical Committees,
the Standards Council may determine that new classifi-
cations of members or unique interests need representa-
tion in order to foster the best possible committee delib-
erations on any project. In this connection, the Standards
Council may make appointments as it deems appropriate
in the public interest, such as the classification of "Utili-
ties" in the National Electrical Code Committee.
4. Representatives of subsidiaries of any group are gener-
ally considered to have the same classification as the par-
ent organization.
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